[/media-credit] Somalia national team training Credit: Courtesy

The Somalia Prime minister Hassan Ali Khayre has expressed the need for his country to host international football matches again after improved peace and security in the war torn country.

Khayre was addressing the newly elected CAF President Ahmad Ahmad following a key note visit over the weekend.

He assured the Government’s commitment’s towards the development of football and support for the youth to promote peace and reconciliation in the country.

The Prime Minister requested CAF to allow Somalia host international matches on their territory, other than playing in neighbouring Djibouti.

The Federal Government of Somalia guarantees peace and security of football officials and players coming here for football games. As is the case with people all over the world, Somalis are also entitled to enjoy football and support their national teams as well as watch other teams play here. The Government has shown the ability to have peace and security in the country through football.

For a long period now, insurgencies in Somali propelled CAF to shift their international matches to Djibouti.

He also expressed gratitude to their neighbours, Djibouti, who have allowed Somalia to host matches on their soil, describing their neighbours as the second home.

We feel as if we are in our second country and we thank them for their warm hospitality, but we have a right to play at home.

CAF President Ahmad appreciated the Somali Prime Minister and assured that CAF will do its best to promote peace in Somalia through football.

Somalia will host South Sudan in the first round of the CHAN 2018 qualifier this coming weekend in Djibouti.

Harunah Mawa, a Ugandan is head coach working hand in hand with Moses ‘Ugoboss’ Oloya as goalkeeping coach.