Ahmed El Shenawi: Dreams have come true as we conduct course in Somalia

Published: April 20, 2014
by: Abdirisaq Shino
FIFA refereeing development officer Ahmed El Shenawi
FIFA refereeing development officer Ahmed El Shenawi

FIFA refereeing development officer Ahmed El Shenawi said that after a long wait, all dreams have come true for Somali football Federation who is hosting its FIFA level course in the country since late 1980s, although the country hosted FIFA grassroots coaching course last year, but this time the RDO is doing the same.

“I would like to say that you and me know each other very well, because it is not my first time to meet you, but it is the first time that I conduct Somalia course here in the capital Mogadishu—this is a historic moment for both you and me” FIFA expert Ahmed El Shenawi said as he was addressing the launching ceremony of FIFA MA course for Somalia on Sunday 20th of April 2014.

Mr. Ahmed El Shenawi said that the moment was totally different from the past because he said now the course is taking place in the country, while previous courses were held abroad.

“We met three times in Djibouti before and as you know each time we asked Allah to make next course in Mogadishu and now that we are here today Allah had accepted our prayers and all dreams came true and we thank Allah for making that approach possible” Ahmed El Shenawi noted.

He said that conducting the course in Mogadishu was the right step forward and it came in the right time. “Doing the course in Mogadishu, I think Somalia has emerged from all problems” the FIFA expert accentuated.

“I would like to tell you that the main goal for FIFA is to spread football throughout the world, because FIFA is working for the game and for the world too” El Shenawi noted adding that the world football body serves for the biggest country and the smallest country in the same way.

“There is a proverb from FIFA which says If you do FIFA does, which means whatever you want FIFA will help you, so on behalf of FIFA I can tell you that FIFA is ready to help you promote football in your country” expressed Mr. El Shenawi who hoped good time and successful course for Somalia.

It was nearly 25 years ago when Somali FA organized its last FIFA refereeing course in the country. That course was conducted by Mustafa Kamal of Egypt while 25 years later another Egyptian expert AhmedEl Shenawi is conducting the same course in the same city.

By Shafi’i Mohyaddin Abokar
CECAFA Media Committee

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