By Saddique Shaban
The continent’s best referee Bakary Papa Gassama is set for his second World Cup duty in Russia.
The Gambian is among six African referees who will take charge of various matches during the month-long tournament in Russia.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. There is nothing like world cup my brother. Taking the ball, going inside the pitch, I mean, it is an amazing experience” said Gassama when asked about his return to the World Cup.
Famously referred to as no nonsense referee by his African counterparts, the 38-year old whistle-blower says he will not be fazed by the big-name hype that surrounds the tournament.
“Those famous footballers could be big players, but we are also big referees. That is it. They are doing their part as players and teams; we are doing ours as referees. I don’t lose sleep over this prospect”
On Thursday, the Gambian football Federation held a sendoff ceremony for the referee, regarded as one of the best in the continent. Asked if FIFA selected him to take charge of the final match on 15th July, the Gambian was optimistic.
“If that happened, it would not just be for me or the Gambia. It would be the pride of Africa. It would be for African referees. I think it is our time. We are ready. We have always been ready”
The FIFA World Cup begins on 14th June with a match between the hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Whilst the Gambian referee has no idea of his match schedule yet, he says he will not be intimidated in Russia. He will be in charge, he adds, while wearing that characteristic no-nonsense face.
