Manjai Sports Association President Pa Ebrima Sawaneh has condemned the removal of goalposts from the Father Gough Sports Complex by a group of youths on Wednesday, describing it as “unlawful vandalism” and a blow to community sports.

“This is a public facility meant to serve the entire community,” Sawaneh told our sports editor. “Damaging or removing infrastructure undermines the interests of all users and sets a dangerous precedent. Such actions are unacceptable, especially when there are established lawful channels to express grievances or proposals.”

The concerned youths stormed the Complex to remove the goalpost, despite both the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and the Executive Coordinator granting the sports committee approval to continue operations.

Sawaneh stressed that the facility is managed by the association on behalf of KMC and dismissed claims that the Biri Biri Turf had been leased for 25 years to private individuals. “No agreement has been signed and the council has yet to give the green light for implementation,” he said.

Mr Sawaneh noted that the group responsible represents “a small segment of the wider community” and includes individuals who have previously served in the association or currently participate in its activities. This, he said, is the fourth incident of trespassing and vandalism since November 2024.

“Our immediate priority is to repair the damage and secure the facility to prevent further vandalism,” Sawaneh added the existing laws should be respected. “If unlawful actions are ignored or rewarded, we risk sending the message that rules and democratic decisions can be trampled without consequence. Sports should unite us, not divide us into small, competing factions.”

Despite the tensions, he confirmed that playoff games will proceed as scheduled and reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue based on “respect for due process, the rule of law, and decisions made through legitimate channels.”

By Ebrima KB Sonko