Gambia's new coach, Belgian Paul Put, was yesterday handed keys to a brand new Hyundai Saloon car and the keys to a luxurious 3-room villa, situated at AU Village in the Brufut.

The package is from the Gambian leader, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, as his personal contribution to the signing of the European as Scorpion's coach.

Handing over the keys to the President of the Gambia Football Association, on behalf of President Jammeh, Major General Langtombong, the first vice-president of the GFA, who doubles as Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, said the national football governing body recently succeeded in hiring the services of a foreign coach for the Scorpions, adding that  this was made possible thanks to the intervention of Africell who has offered to pay the coach's salary.

He said the GFA was eventually left with other constraint, which included the provision of accommodation and transport for the coach.

"But being keenly interested in the development and promotion of Gambian football and the youths in general, our President did not hesitate to rescue the Gambia Football Association from the strained situation.

"I am honoured to make a presentation of a house and a car to the coach, on behalf the Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces and Chief Patron of the Gambia Football Association, Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh.

"The President has asked me to convey to you his warm congratulation on your appointment as Scorpions' coach and also to tell you that you will always get his support," revealed Major General Tamba, to a rather elated coach Paul Put.

Receiving the keys, Seedy Kinteh, President of the Gambia Football Association, heaped praises on President Jammeh for his unfettered support towards the football association. He said the latest magnanimity from President Jammeh did not at all come as a surprise, since he had always been there for Gambian sports.

He challenged coach Paul Put to reciprocate the benevolent gesture by qualifying Gambia to the 2010 World Cup and Nations Cup finals.

"Mr Paul Put you have a big challenge. You have seen what the President has just done and now the ball is in your court," he said.

"This luxury car and the building are given to you so that you will deliver the desired result. And I know with your vast experience, you can do it and we expect you to do it. Be assured that you will get the Football Association's unswerved support."

Reacting to the gesture, the elated European admitted that the good treatment made him feel at home. He said such a package was hardly given to coaches in Africa, adding "I am very much grateful to the President and the Gambian people".

Coach Paul Put revealed that with all hands on deck the Gambia's dream of qualifying for the 2010 finals will be released.