Africa-Press – Ghana. Delegates attending the CECAFA Elective General Assembly have visited the FIFA Talent Academy in Djibouti City, underscoring the country’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for football development in Africa.
The tour formed part of activities lined up for the Assembly and highlighted Djibouti’s increasing investment in youth football structures.
The visiting delegation comprised prominent football administrators from across the continent, including Mr. Gusau Ibrahim Musa, President of WAFU‐B and the Nigeria Football Federation; Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of WAFU‐A and the Gambia Football Federation; and Mr. Said Athouman Said Ali, President of COSAFA and the Comoros Football Federation.
Their presence demonstrated the significance of the Assembly and the recognition Djibouti continues to receive for its development model.
Mr Gelson Fernandes, FIFA’s Director of Member Associations for Africa, who led the tour, commended the progress made under the FIFA Talent Development programme.
He said the Academy was nurturing “beautiful faces and young talent who will be the stars of tomorrow,” describing Djibouti as the leading nation in East Africa in the implementation of the project.
Mr Faizal Sidat, President of the Mozambique Football Federation, also praised the initiative, describing the Academy as a model for the continent.
He said the talents observed, both boys and girls, reflected the future of African football, adding that Mozambique hoped to learn from Djibouti’s example.
Mr Lamin Kaba Bajo, WAFU‐A President, reiterated the importance of sustained investment in youth football. He noted that Djibouti’s long‐term strategy would yield strong national teams in both the men’s and women’s categories in the coming years.
The visit concluded with delegates expressing confidence in Djibouti’s pathway to football excellence.
