Independence Stadium And Friendship Hotel

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

The Stadium has been given temporal approval by CAF to host the upcoming CHAN and Women Senior National Team matches.

The stadium has been designated as the host of the Gambia vs Comoros match of the AFCON qualifiers on the 15th November 2024 subject to inspection and confirmation by CAF.

The stadium scoreboard installed

The stadium pitch is taking shape

The Gambia U20 today tested the new natural grass ground at the stadium.

Rehabilitation and remodeling of the stadium

Stadium branding

Continuing the sand dressing of the football ground

Installed CCTV and the Technical Manager and his team working on the last stage of the grass football ground with sand dressing and later compacting the ground for it to be ready for certification by CAF.