Young Ocean Stars Receive Heroic Welcome on Returning from Burundi

Somali junior national team arrived to a heroic welcome on Tuesday from Burundi where they attended the CECAFA under-17 tournament.
Despite an aggressive attack and rarely goal opportunity, the fate stood against Somalia as it crowned Tanzania U-17 CECAFA Champions.
Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Kheire received the team and their instructor at Adan Adde International Airport.
Kheire lauded the Young Ocean Stars for their unforgettable symbolic record they set during the CECAFA under-17 Championship in Burundi.
President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo earlier pledged his government would usher the team with a cheerful welcome.
“Come home while holding heads high, congratulation boys, we are proud of you and we will make sure to welcome you in a prestigious way,” said Farmajo after the conclusion of the game.
The rejuvenated Ocean Star team has received congratulatory message from FIFA’s Secretary General, Fatma Samaura describing their match with Tanzania as Symbolic and significant.
“In line with our overall vision to promote and grow the game, FIFA Forward aims to give tailored support to member associations and make a real impact in driving football development around the globe. As FIFA Secretary General, I would like to extend my congratulations to the teams from Somalia and Tanzania on making the final and their success in developing a new generation of players, as well as to Burundi for hosting such a successful CECAFA Under-17 Championship,” Samaura in a statement.
She said the investment in youth development certainly appears to be paying off with the young Somali team producing several impressive results and upsets along the way to Sunday’s final.
Somali Football Federation President Abdiqani Said Arab also commented on the impressive achievements of the young Somali team.
“I would like to thank the boys for their high profile performance. We have been able to produce these talented boys with the help of FIFA, who have financed our domestic youth league since 2016. So thanks to FIFA for their assistance,” said Arab.