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Somalia has taken a significant step in its football development with the launch of the country’s first Youth Football Development Center in Baidoa. This marks a major investment in grassroots sports infrastructure, led by the Somali Football Federation (SFF), which aims to nurture young talent and create a structured pathway to professional football. The project is expected to lay the foundation for future Somali football stars while strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem.
Baidoa, located 246 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, has been chosen as the starting point for this initiative. The center will focus on training players aged under-9 to under-16, combining structured football education with formal schooling. SFF President Ali Abdi Mohamed emphasized the importance of early investment in young players, stating that the initiative is not just about developing footballers but also shaping well-rounded individuals.
The success of this center is expected to pave the way for similar academies across all federal member states, forming a comprehensive national football development strategy. In addition to developing young players, the SFF has launched a CAF License D coaching course for 30 young coaches, ensuring that the next generation of footballers receives high-quality instruction. The federation believes that strong coaching is the foundation of a thriving football culture and is committed to equipping local coaches with the necessary skills.
Leadership stability within Somali football has also taken a positive turn. In a move aimed at fostering unity, SFF President Ali Abdi Mohamed appointed his former election rival, Wiish Yabarow, as chairman of the SFF Referee Committee. Yabarow, a former international referee, previously resigned from his role as head of the referee department in 2022 to contest the SFF presidency. His legal challenge against Mohamed’s election victory was ultimately dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. His appointment now signals a new era of collaboration and reform within Somali football leadership.
The appointment of Yabarow is expected to bring much-needed structure to Somali football’s refereeing system, which has long struggled with inconsistency. His experience as both a referee and an administrator could help professionalize officiating in domestic competitions, enhancing the credibility of Somali football at a national and international level.
Somalia’s investment in youth football is already showing promising signs on the international stage. The country’s U-17 national team, known as the Ocean Stars, is preparing for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place from March 30 to April 19 in Morocco. The team secured their spot by finishing third in the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers, marking their second consecutive AFCON appearance.
A strong performance in Morocco could bring Somalia closer to an even greater achievement—qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where a record 10 African teams will compete from November 5-27, 2025. This would be a historic moment for Somali football, demonstrating the progress made through structured youth development initiatives.
Despite facing challenges due to years of instability and a lack of infrastructure, Somali football is moving in the right direction. With a clear strategy for grassroots development, improved coaching standards, and stronger leadership within the football federation, Somalia is positioning itself as a rising force in African football. The launch of the Youth Football Development Center in Baidoa is just the beginning of a broader effort to elevate the country’s footballing standards and create opportunities for young athletes to succeed on both national and international stages.