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Somali Football Federation opens second youth development centre in Kismayo
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    Sunday February 23, 2025


    Young Somali footballers pose at the newly inaugurated Somali Football Federation (SFF) Youth Development Centre in Kismayo, Somalia

    Kismayo (HOL) — The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has inaugurated its second youth development centre in Kismayo, furthering its mission to establish a structured grassroots football system nationwide. The new facility, which follows the recent launch of a similar centre in Baidoa, is part of the federation’s nationwide plan to identify and nurture young talent.

    “Our goal is to establish youth football development centres across all regions, and we are making great progress with Baidoa and now Kismayo,” said SFF Senior Vice-President Ahmed Takal during the inauguration. “These academies will serve as the foundation for the future of Somali football.”

    The centre will train players in the Under-9, Under-13, and Under-15 age groups, ensuring early development in a structured environment.

    Kismayo, located 500 kilometres south of Mogadishu and the capital of Jubbaland State, boasts a storied footballing tradition. Once a dominant force in Somali football, the city aims to reclaim its past glory with this initiative.

    Takal recalls when the city was a breeding ground for some of the nation’s finest players.

    “This region was once famous for football,” he said. “Kismayo won the most trophies of Somalia’s regional football competitions. Now, with the launch of this centre, I am very hopeful that the city will soon regain its status as a football powerhouse.”

    The launch was attended by several dignitaries, including Jubbaland’s Minister for Youth and Sport, Abdirashid Abdirahman Amir, and Jubbaland Football Association Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi Ahmed. Amir stressed the regional government’s commitment to supporting the project. “Jubbaland is ready to fully collaborate with the Somali Football Federation to make this project a success,” he stated.

    The Kismayo facility follows the model introduced in Baidoa, which integrates football training with structured education. The SFF has also launched a CAF License D coaching program, enrolling 30 young coaches to ensure the proper technical development of players at these centres. The federation’s goal is to create a sustainable football ecosystem that strengthens the talent pipeline for domestic and international competitions.

    Speaking at the Baidoa inauguration, SFF President Ali Abdi Mohamed reiterated the importance of early investment in youth football. “If we want to compete at the highest level, we must start at the grassroots,” Mohamed said. 

    Somalia’s recent investments in youth football come at a critical moment. The country’s U-17 national team, the Junior Ocean Stars, has qualified for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, marking their second consecutive appearance at the tournament. A strong performance could see Somalia qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later in the year, a historic milestone for the nation’s footballing ambitions.

    Despite these strides, Somali football continues to face infrastructural and governance challenges. However, the SFF has taken steps to strengthen leadership, exemplified by the recent appointment of former election rival Wiish Yabarow as chairman of the referees’ committee

     





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