Gambian football legends Gomez and Corr die

Former Gambia Football Federation president George Gomez died earlier this week.

JOHANNESBURG, September 4 (ANA) –  Former Gambia Football Federation (GFF) president George Gomez died earlier this week, the footballing body confirmed on Thursday.

Gomez died on Tuesday at the age of 82, with the cause of death undisclosed.

Current GFF president Lamin Kaba Bajo said: “Uncle George Gomez was an epicentre of Football development and we at the Football House have lost an irreplaceable legend”.

The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) said: “We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray they have all the courage to cope with this tragedy.”

The Sports Journalist Association of Gambia said: “The Sports Journalists’ Association of the Gambia SJAG has learnt with shock and sadness the demise of our icon, legend, mentor, friend and father figure to the Sports Press Uncle George Gomez.

“An honoured, decorated and celebrated sporting personality and encyclopaedia.”

Meanwhile, former Gambia captain Papa Sarr Corr died on Monday. He was 51. His cause of death was also undisclosed.

Bajo said: “I am deeply saddened to learn the passing of Papa Sarr Corr, former Real De Banjul and Scorpions captain and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this very sad time. Papa Sarr was a hard working, discipline, focused and well respected young man.”

Sarr was one of the best defenders the Gambia produced, and he was a mainstay in the Gambia national team. He also captained one of Gambia’s biggest club Real de Banjul (RDB).

Real de Banjul paid tribute to Corr: “RDB is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former captain and club legend Papa Sarr Corr. Our thoughts are with Papa’s family and friends in these difficult times while praying for his soul to rest.”- African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman