Tuesday April 18, 2017
CAF President Ahmad wrapped his two-day working visit to Somalia with a declaration that his choice of the 'Horn of Africa' for his maiden official visit was a step in the right direction.
"Some people asked why I chose Somalia as my first destination. Now, I can tell them that's because Somalia is an African country that deserves our care and attention. We have to work together to develop African football, and also Somalia to reach higher heights.
"Football is a tool for unity and solidarity, and that's the role that we have to do in the coming period", Ahmad said at a press briefing on Tuesday in the capital, Mogadishu.
The CAF President highlighted the importance of his tour of sporting facilities in Mogadishu, adding he will discuss with partners such as FIFA and the African Union (AU), on measures to get the Mogadishu Stadium back to use and also develop sporting infrastructure in Somalia.
In a reponse to regarding Somalia's willingness to host international matches after a 26-year hiatus, Ahmad said: "It will need some time. Firstly, we have to start developing the infrastructure, then we can arrange some friendly games to evaluate the situation from a security perspective, and to assess the attendance. It needs some time for development and evaluation".
The CAF President revealed he has had discussions with the SomaliFootball Federation (SFF) officials on guidelines to develop Somali football. The two parties resloved that the priority is to make huge progress in terms of development.
On his part, SFF president Abdiqani Said Arab Said Abdi Qani Arab expressed gratitude on the visit by the CAF President.
"I would like to thank the CAF President for this historic visit that marks a huge day for Somalia, and to me personally as it confirms our long friendship", he said.