CAF President Ahmad visits Somalia in first official trip

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Ahmad Ahmad has fulfilled his promise of paying Somalia a visit as his first duty call when he becomes President of the continental body.

Ahmad, who went on a two-day working visit, arrived Mogadishu, Somalia on Monday, where he was welcomed by Somali Minister for Youth and Sports, Khadija Mohamed Diriye, president of the Somali Football Federation (SFF), Abdiqani Said Arab and other Government officials.

At a short ceremony at the Arrival Hall, Abdiqani said “this is a big day for Somalia and Somali football. We are proud to have the CAF President here. He promised that his first official visit will be to Somalia, and he has fulfilled his promise. We are very happy to have the CAF president here in our country.”

Mrs Diriye also lauded Ahmad for honouring his promise to visit Somalia on his first official trip.

“On behalf of the Somali people, President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, we would like to welcome the CAF president who has fulfilled his promise to make his first official visit to Somalia. The CAF president promised us and he has lived up to his word,” said the Minister.

On his part, the CAF president expressed satisfaction with the warm reception whilst hoping for fruitful discussions with stakeholders towards the development of the game in Somali.

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Ahmad, who was formerly the FA boss in Madagascar, became the President of CAF after unseating long-serving President Issa Hayatou in the March 16 CAF elections.

Ahmad promised to cause change in African football, and sees his visit to Somalia as one that would lead to achieving that purpose.

“Today is a big day for Somalia and all of us. I congratulate the Somali people and the new Government. Somalia deserves our support because it is an important part of Africa,” he said.

“I have said that we will support all African countries including Somalia. We have a lot to do and it’s time to work. I therefore start my official work from Somalia as promised.”

Recall that the newly elected President had in his manifesto, “To gather as one the big football family. Those who have lost their trust, confidence in CAF, those who have long been forgotten and those who have been left on their own – they all must re-join CAF,’’ among other missions.

He is expected to demand for the withdrawals of African Union troops from the country’s national soccer facility, Stadium Mogadishu when he meets with Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Kheyre.

According to the official website of CAF, the President is expected to address a Press Conference on Tuesday to wrap up his visit.

 

 

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