The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has joined Somalia in mourning for the death of the legendary sports administrator and the first president of Somali National Olympic Committee, Ali Omar Sheegow.

The late Sheegow, one of the founding fathers of Somali National Olympic Committee died at the age of 95 in the UK city of Manchester, on Thursday. He has been unwell for the past couple of months.

"I would like to pass my condolences to the family, friends and the sportsfraternity of Somalia following the death of Ali Omar Sheegow” CECAFA general secretary, Nicholas Musonye, said in a condolence message sent to the people of Somalia through the president of Somali Football Federation, Mr Abdiqani Said Arab.

"For people who have followed Sports in Somalia, they can recall that at some point a few decades ago, Somalia had a strong Olympic movement due to the leadership of people like Sheegow” Mr Nicholas Musonye, said in his condolence message.

Mr Musonye explained that the foundation laid by the founders of Olympic movement in Somalia saw the country produce some of the best middle and long distance runners.

"CECAFA joins the people of Somalia and through the President of Somalia FA Abdiqaani Arab Said, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah give them strength during these difficulty times” he said in his condolence message.

Somali Football Federation Media Department

Email:info@somsoccer.com