The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Muse Bihi Abdi, has today officially launched the 2021 Somaliland football tournament which kicks off at the Abdalle Stadium in Berbera. The opening ceremony of the Somaliland Premier League was attended by members of the cabinet, parliamentarians, a large delegation from Ethiopia, officials from the Sahil region and Berbera district, football federation officials and various spectators.

The 2021 championship of the Republic of Somaliland will be attended by 12 teams from different regions of the country, who have made great strides this year, some of whom have won various trophies held in their home regions.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirashid Duale Qambi, explained in depth how his ministry has taken on the responsibility of promoting and implementing various sports in the country that empower the youth and bond them together rather than polarizing them. 

His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Musa Bihi Abdi, who addressed the opening ceremony, praised the Ministry of Youth and Sports and commended the people of Berbera for their warm welcome. In his remarks, the President said, “I have come here as directed by Article 15, Clause 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, which calls on the government and the President to launch the sports competitions. Tournaments such as these not only help our youth develop intellectually and culturally but they also help them refrain from cultivating bad habits.”