Government ministers, lawmakers, diplomats and Somali football family members led by the president of SFF Ali Abdi Mohamed, have on Wednesday evening attended a farewell dinner ceremony jointly organized by the Somali Football Federation and the ministry for youth and sport ahead the team’s departure to Algeria for TOTAL Energies Africa Under 17 Cup of Nations.
Head of media and public relations of Hormuud Telecom, Somalia’s biggest network provider, Abdihakim Mohamed Qasim, who addressed at the dinner ceremony said that his company and the Somali football federation have developed a very healthy relationship adding he was happy to announce that Hormuud Telecom is partly sponsoring the Somali Under 17 squad’s campaign for TOTAL Energies Africa Under 17 Cup of Nations.
Somali ambassador to Algeria, Abdiwahab Moalim Mohamed, said that Somali government will send a large delegation of ministers, MPs, diplomats and other officials to Algeria as encouragement and morale-boosting for the team. “Nowadays I am witnessing that the Somali Football Federation and the ministry for youth and sports are cooperating very well. Unity is power and I encourage both sides to continue such a high profile cooperation” ambassador Abdiwahab Moalim Mohamed, stated.
“Somali football federation made a history when the team qualified for AFCON U-17 last year and this year we hope they can achieve another milestone. If the team qualifies for FIFA under 17 world cup, I promise that I will campaign for the team to get monthly salary – that will be my first campaign at the parliament and I will make sure the parliament implements the motion” lawmaker, Mukhtar Ahmed Hassan, told the dinner ceremony.
On his side, Somali state minister for internal security Mohamed Ali Hagaa, added that the joint efforts made by the ministry for youth and sports and the Somali football federation was key to Somalia’s qualification for the continental event. “There is wisdom that says United we stand, divided we fall. I am delighted that Somali Football Federation and the ministry of sport are now working hand-in-hand. That is a good way forward and I thank both sides for the cooperation” state minister for internal security Mohamed Ali Hagaa, noted during his address.
A GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM FORMER SFF PRESIDENT.
Somali Football Federation president, Ali Abdi Mohamed, delivered a message of greeting, appreciation and goodwill for the national team from former Somali Football Federation president, Abdiqani Said Arab, who sent a message to the team through his successor.
The president said that Somalia and South Sudan will be representing CECAFA region at the upcoming TOTAL Energies Africa Under 17 Cup of Nations telling the team members to know they are not only representing Somalia but also the greater CECAFA region.
“We don’t know what the destiny will decide for us, but so far we have made all the necessary preparations and we have talented boys. Five other players will join the team from Sweden, Norway and Canada and I am confident in the players” Somali football Federation president, Ali Abdi Mohaemd, told the dinner ceremony.
HORMUUD TELECOM CHEERS THE TEAM.
Somali Football Federation president, Ali Abdi Mohamed, told the ceremony that for the first time, some of the squad members will be doing advertisements for Somalia’s biggest network provider, Hormuud telecom. “This is an enormous move forward, because it will be the first time in history that a company in Somalia will promote its business to advertise with the national team” Somali football Federation president, Ali Abdi Mohamed, said while calling on other major companies and the Somali people to invest in the game. The president also thanked Premier Bank of Somalia, IBS Bank and as well as My Bank for being very friendly with Somali football federation.
Hormuud Telecom announced it will contribute USD 20000 to Ocean Stars juniors prior to their departure to Algeria for Total Energies Africa Under 17 Cup of Nations. SFF president Ali Abdi Mohamed, thanks the country’s biggest network provider for the huge support
“Before handing over the microphone to the minister of sport, I would like to thank my brother Djahid Abdelwahab, the president of Algerian football federation for accepting my request to cover the team’s stay in Algeria for a period of six days starting from the 16th of April” president Ali Abdi Mohamed, added as he handed the microphone over to the minister for youth and sport, Mohamed Barre Mohamud.
“Last year, you achieved a victory for Somalia and this year we count on your shoulders and we expect you to take Somalia to higher position again” the minister for youth and sport, Mohamed Barre Mohamud, told the team members. “Together we made that history and again we will achieve together. If you happen to make it to the FIFA U-17 world cup, Somali government will take you to the most sacred place in the world [Makka Al Mukarrama] for pilgrimage” the minister said as he directed his speech to the squad members.
Other officials who addressed at the farewell ceremony for the national team include: Hirshabelle State parliament maker, Hassan Abdulqadir Mudei and Abdihakim Osman Diriye, of Jeenyo football club, who addressed on behalf of SFF congress members.