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From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Tue Sep 07 2010 - 17:58:09 EDT
<http://www.shabait.com/articles/q-a-a/2955-cecafa-tournament-2010-stepping-
stone-for-development-of-football-and-friendship> CECAFA Tournament 2010:
Stepping Stone For Development Of Football And Friendship
Sunday, 05 September 2010 11:27 | Written by Samrawit Efrem |
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http://www.shabait.com/images/stories/Pictures/cecafa-sam.jpgBesides winning
a trophy, sports competition is carried out to foster friendship and
strengthen harmony among the participants. Indeed, the hosting of the 5th
Central and Eastern Confederation of African Football Association (CECAFA)
Cup under 20 in Eritrea was a true reflection of the sprit of sport. It
could be said that the event paved a way for close ties among the national
soccer teams of Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda and
Zanzibar as well as Yemen. Besides, it was an eye-opening occasion for the
participants to know about Eritrea and its hospitable people. CECAFA is
known as the oldest sub-regional football competitions in Africa and Eritrea
became a member in 1994. At present, CECAFA has 11 members, and this year's
tournament was held under the theme 'Friendship and Development'. Shabait
conducted an interview with the General Secretary of CECAFA, Mr. Nicolas
Misugne regarding the tournament held in Asmara. Excerpts follow:
Q: Let us start with your evaluation of Eritrea's preparations to host
CECAFA?
It was one of the most successful tournaments held in recent years. I really
want to express my appreciation of the way the preparations were made. The
opening ceremony was fantastic. The artistic shows that highlighted the
Eritrean diversity were amazing. The excellent organization prepared by a
young nation such as Eritrea was beyond our expectations. It is an
indication that this country is capable of hosting big tournaments providing
some facilities in the near future.
When I came for inspection in June, I noted that Eritrea would indeed
present something good. The opening ceremony was the best ceremony I have
seen which is in par with the opening ceremony in South Africa for the World
Cup. In general, I would say that this was the best organized competition.
>From the opening ceremony throughout the matches until the last date we had
very good organization. The final game between Eritrea and Uganda was simply
fantastic.
Q: How about the technical ability of the players?
Yes, the game exhibited by all the players was so impressive. I think we are
showing improvement in our members of CECAFA teams in terms of technical
ability. I really want to express my appreciation of the way the national
teams prepared themselves for this competition.
Q: What is your impression of this country in general?
I can see that Eritreans are talented at football, cycling and athletics.
And if Eritrea gets enough facilities they would have the upper hand in
these kinds of sports. Also, I am impressed with the prevailing peace and
security in Eritrea in addition to the wholesome weather. On top of this,
the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to us wherever we went attest that
the people of Eritrea are a peace-loving and hospitable people. I would say
they are people who believe in themselves and I attribute this to the strong
leadership you have in this country. I have traveled in many African
countries where there is disorder and chaos. Nothing like that can be seen
in Eritrea.
Q: What experience can be gleaned from the way Eritrea has hosted the game?
We can recommend that Eritrea has the ability to host similar upcoming games
in the African Cup of nations under 17. Eritrea had the capacity to host it
once some facilities are put in place. Other members of CECAFA could also
learn from Eritrea's excellent organization.
Q: Anything you would like to add?
The tournament in Eritrea especially has promoted friendship among us. It
was an excellent opportunity to extend our friendship and also the
participations were able to know and understand Eritrean.
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