CAF mourns saddening shooting at Somali football

CAF President Issa Hayatou has expressed sadness at news of the death of a child who died following a landmine explosion at a Somalia football field on Monday (26 May 2014). “It saddens me to hear of such a loss of a young life that went out to enjoy a game that is so dear to all of us. It is particularly disheartening because it comes after we have, over the past months, witnessed very positive news on a number of development programmes that have given a lot of hope for the advancement of Somalian football,” Hayatou said.

 

CECAFA and the Somalia Football Federation have reported to CAF the death of a Somalian child who was killed while playing football after an old landmine exploded in Balanbale. The city of Balanbale lies near the Somalia-Ethiopia border. The children were reported out playing in an open football field when the explosion occurred.

According to the dispatch to CAF, the child estimated to be between 7 and 10 years old died on the spot following the explosion. Two other children sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the city of Galkayo for medical attention. They are described to be in serious condition.

“On my own behalf, on behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and African football family, I send our condolences to CECAFA, the Somalia Football Federation and family of the deceased boy,” Hayatou said adding: “We wish the injured young players speedy and full recovery.”

CECAFA has also sent messages of condolences to the Somali Football Federation with regional governing body secretary general Nicholas Musonye describing the incident as a sad moment.

“I have learned about the sad news of the death of a young player and the injuries of two others at a football field in Somalia. I stand with you and the family of the dead young boy during this sad moment,” Musonye said in his letter of condolence to General Abdi Qani Said Arab, the Secretary General Somali Football Federation.