The competition which is being co-hosted at the
FIFA-built National Technical Centre stadium and as well as the
FIFA-refurbished facility Stadium Banadir has brought together some 14 teams
which are represented by youthful teens.
Somali Football Federation president, Abdiqani Said Arab,
who addressed at a colorful opening ceremony for the tournament on Monday,
expressed his gratitude and appreciation that FIFA is giving much attention to
the development of football in Somalia whose football capability is growing.
"This is the 3rd year running that FIFA is providing SFF’s Domestic Youth football League with both financial and material assistance. The organization of this event together with a number of youth football development programs we implemented in the country for the past several years have really contributed a lot to the growth of football in our country. Once again thanks to FIFA for helping us in our endeavors and ambitions to increase the football capability of our great nation of Somalia” SFF president Abdiqani Said Arab, said in his opening speech at the launch of the competition on Monday.
"FIFA has witnessed a huge football development in
Somalia through the youth football programs and the Domestic Youth league which
we first inaugurated in 2016 with the help from FIFA and as a result again FIFA
awarded us with financial assistance and the equipment for the 14 participating
teams for the 3rd year running” SFF president noted.
"It is in our schedule to hold this competition every
year, but if we continue to get FIFA assistance for the event next year, then
we be able to increase the number of participating teams to 16” Somali Football
Federation (SFF) president, Abdiqani Said Arab, explained during his opening
speech.
In 2016 the SFF started the Domestic Youth Football
League with only 12 teams. Now it has been broadened to 14 teams and according
to president Abdiqani Said Arab, the SFF is eying on a 16-team tournament next
year.
However, the Domestic Youth Football League plus the grassroots
and the youth football development programs were the causes of producing the
talented Somali U-17 squad who made it possible for the country to reach its
first ever CECAFA event final in April this year. The high profile performance
of the Ocean Stars youngsters attracted the attention of the nation’s president
H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who awarded SFF president, Abdiqani Said Arab,
for the historic football achievement.
Somali
Football Federation Media Department
Email:info@somsoccer.com