(William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Banjul Gambia)

Banjul, Gambia, May 10, GNA - Coach Fred Osam-Doudou, head coach of the Gambian Under-17 team's contract with the West African country would expire on May 31, nine days after the completion of the ongoing Sixth Africa Under-17 Tournament.

Mr Jammeh E. K. Bojang, Secretary-General of the Gambian Football Association (GFA) confirmed this to the GNA Sports in an interview in Banjul on Tuesday.

Mr Bojang said that plans have been put in place to extend his contract, but that it much depends on the availability of funds and the willingness of the coach to stay.

The Secretary-Geneeral said they are exploiting every possible avenue to generate funds to get the veteran Ghanaian coach to stay on for another year.

"We are happy with his work and we will like to take him for another year". Mr Bojang told the GNA Sports.

Asked whether the coach will be given a different assignment when his contract is extended, Mr Bojang said, "we are on a development mission and we will not like to rock that boat, the Ghanaian will continue in the same capacity".

The coach's continued stay will however not depend much on the performance of the Young Scorpions in the on-going tournament for the man is already a national hero in Gambian and is loved by all soccer fans.

Coach Osam-Doudou who was employed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Gambia upon their request, though did not make a specific statement on his future with Gambia, is likely to accept another offer if it is presented.

Coach Osam-Doudou on Tuesday morning said in a chat that staying with the Gambians would not be any problem, though he insists much would depend on his employers.

The Ghanaian, aside coaching the junior side is also responsible for the organisation of coaching courses for junior coaches in the Gambia. He is also responsible for the identification, grooming and developing of young talents at the juvenile level.

Gambia is obviously not one of the continent's great football nations and the project is therefore aimed at building a promising soccer future for the country.