Independence Stadium And Friendship Hotel

The state of the stadium pitch after hosting the two opening matches

The stadium hosting the CAF Women clubs qualifiers

H E President Adama Barrow visit to the newly rehabilitated and remodelling of the Independence Stadium.
It also coincided with the wonderful news of CAF temporal approval of the stadium in which he was the first person to be informed.

We thanked the President, the Hon Minister and the government for their foresight in investing in the stadium after years of neglect.

Stadium is approved by CAF to host international Category 3 matches.

The stadium ready for international competition

Applications are invited from qualified Gambian candidates to fill the following vacant position:

Job Title: Stadium Chief Security Officer
Reports to: General Manager

Job Summary:

The Stadium Chief Security Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of spectators, staff, and assets within the stadium. The successful candidate will develop and implement security strategies, policies, and procedures to mitigate risks and threats.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Security Strategy:
• Develop and implement comprehensive security strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and threat analyses to identify potential security vulnerabilities.
2. Security Operations:
• Oversee daily security operations, including surveillance, patrols, and emergency response.
• Ensure compliance with security protocols, regulations, and industry best practices.
3. Emergency Response:
• Develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures.
• Coordinate with emergency services, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
4. Staff Management:
• Lead and manage a team of security personnel.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance security skills and knowledge.
5. Collaboration:
• Work closely with stadium staff, event organizers, and external partners to ensure security protocols are in place
• Foster relationships with law enforcement, emergency services, and other stakeholders.

Requirements
1. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., security management, criminology, law enforcement,)
2. CSO (Certified Security Officer),
3. Minimum 5 years of experience in security management, law enforcement, or a related field.
4. Ability to lead and manage security teams.

Grade: grade 10 of the stadium integrated pay scale.
All applications with the necessary documents including CV and cover letter should be address to:
The General Manager
Independence Stadium and Friendship Hotel
Bakau.

Deadline for submission is on the 6th February 2026. Please note that only applicants who meet the necessary requirements will be shortlisted and invited for an interview.

Applications are invited from qualified Gambian candidates to fill the following vacant position:
Job Title: Finance Manager
Reports to: General Manager

Objective:
The Finance Manager will lead the finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management:
- Prepare and present financial statements, budgets, and forecasts.
- Manage financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial data.
2. Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
- Manage audit processes and implement recommendations.
3. Risk Management:
- Identify and mitigate financial risks.
- Develop and implement internal controls.
4. Team Management:
- Lead and develop the finance team.

Requirements:

1. Qualifications:
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CICA).
- Degree in Accounting/Finance.
2. Experience:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in finance, with at least 2 years in a senior role.
3. Skills:
- Financial analysis and planning.
- Leadership and team management.
- Communication and interpersonal skills.

Grade: grade 11 of the stadium integrated pay scale.
All applications with the necessary documents including CV and cover letter should be address to:
The General Manager
Independence Stadium and Friendship Hotel
Bakau.

Deadline for submission is on the 6th February 2026. Please note that only applicants who meet the necessary requirements will be shortlisted and invited for an interview.

PRESS RELEASE
Banjul, The Gambia 15th August 2025

Update on Independence Stadium Pitch Upgrade and supply of equipment

The National Sports Council (NSC) wishes to provide clarifications regarding the planned upgrading of the Stadium’s hybrid pitch, following recent public discussions around the project.

The NSC acknowledges an ongoing process to hire a foreign company through a subcontractor arrangement that meets requirements of our procurement laws to assist in upgrading and maintain the pitch. NSC however emphasizes that the hybrid pitch installed at the beginning of the stadium remodelling remains in place and has never been removed, nor is the foreign company going to re-install a new pitch, as has been speculated. Their mandate focuses on:

1. Supplying specialized maintenance equipment which are not available in the country.

2. Rehabilitating the existing pitch, treating fungal infections, and correcting uneven surfaces (conditions that were as a result of lack of proper equipment and skilled personnel to carry our required routine functions as would be of a hybrid pitch).

3. Training local staff on proper pitch upkeep techniques, including operation of the new machinery.

The contractor, upon completing the above primary assignment, will remain in The Gambia for two months to ensure full knowledge transfer and capacity building among local staff.

"The NSC acknowledges past challenges in pitch maintenance and the Ministry has introduced robust measures to prevent similar issues in the future,” said NSC Communications and PR Manager, Sara Camara. “By prioritizing equipment procurement and staff training, we aim to ensure sustainable, long-term care of the pitch without reliance on external expertise.”

We lost one of the most dedicated and dutiful workers at the stadium. He is one those that started working at the stadium when it was opened in 1984 until his retirement.

Momodou Camara passed away yesterday and buried today 9th July 2025. He served and managed the gym when it was under the stadium and also as a gardener.

A honest and reliable person who was committed to the uplifting of the stadium.

May the Almighty grant him jannatul firdaw