First Time in Eritrea, CECAFA U-20: “Development and Friendship”

First Time in Eritrea, CECAFA U-20: “Development and Friendship”

Tesfahans Isaak

For the fact that good wish for the benefit of others deserves a credit for yourself, but to the contrary, accusations, betrayal and abandonment lead to destruction and hatred. In this case, the people and government of Eritrea are very hospitable and friendly to everyone and this is a demonstration that they are well wishers and work for the benefit of all. They are best renowned for their respecting and reverence rendering culture. And as such, on Saturday (14th of August, 2010) opening ceremony of the CECAFA under-20 football tournament was such a replication of Eritrea’s good will for the peoples of the central and the horn in particular and for the whole continent of Africa at large.

The ceremony that showcased on the occasion proves to be that the people and Government of Eritrea are very hospitable, honest and friendly. They set ground for others to be as close to them as they choose to be. Development and friendship, of course, doesn’t happen by accident, but it requires desire that sacrifices time and energy, and above all stamina. And due to this fact this year’s CECAFA U-20 cup is being hosted here in the capital, Asmara, under the theme

“Development and Friendship” which coincides with the culture the people and Government of Eritrea uses to experience.

Artistic performances were featured on the occasion, with such a magnificent and eye-catching demonstrations, that showcased the noble endeavors of the Eritrean people in exerting their effort to realize full economic development, security and sovereignty of their country. It is Eritrea’s wish that all its neighbors live in peace so that they would work together for a centralized and secured economic development, and at large, it would win at social interactions.

The naturally rich and resourceful continent of Africa was on display right in the field of the Asmara Stadium revealing its un- diminishing agricultural produce that can be harvested at the expense of peace and hardworking. The intension was to reflect that there is nothing that equals unity at initiating development and friendship and most importantly to show that the Eritrean people are in a relentless strive for nation building and economic security so as to ensure the all rounded self- reliance as a country and also as a continent.

For one others’ deeper and more intimate connection, pursuers need to honestly share experiences and feelings through many different mechanisms. Sport activities are some among the many ways that bring peoples and Governments of different countries more close and make strong and sustainable friendship. Intrinsically, August 14, 2010, in the afternoon hours was about to witness the generosity of the sport loving Eritrean people as the seven other African nations- namely Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zanzibar, and the brotherly invited nation, Yemen, set their feet in the Asmara stadium to introduce themselves with the spectators represented with their respective soccer teams.

Representing the Eritrean Football Federation, all the clubs in the country and football fans, Mr. Tesfay Gebreyesus, President of the National Eritrea Football Federation, welcomed all the participating teams of under the age 20 of the brotherly countries. He was also in such a glorious mood to extend the Federation’s utmost pleasure in hosting such a tournament, which is being held for the first time in the nation’s history, and also applauded warmest pleasure for the delightful fans.

Extending his utmost appreciation for successful opening preparation, President CECAFA Mr. Leodegar Tenga praised the Government, Football Federation and people of Eritrea for their hospitality, and has showed them that their hospitability is their dignity. With that encouraging and favorite environment he went on to say, “This tournament will not only stimulate the development of football in this region, but it will also renovate social, economic development of our people and foster friendship.”

Following the opening ceremony Minister Semere Rusom opened the game wishing a fare play for the contestants and funny watch for the fans. Moreover, the final result of the opening game Eritrea against Tanzania unbolts a wider gate for the Eritrean team that they can win the trophy. The first and concluding goal which Tedros Abraham scored at 43 minutes in the first half time from penalty made the fans lift up their voice and with they song: “Zeykemzi’a iye delye, zey kemzi’a ye!” Which is roughly translated as that’s what I want?

Whistling and claps made their own melody that reminded the fans they were there for one common reason, to see the Red Sea Camels’ take the trophy. The long awaited hopes and dreams, cares and loves of the people of Eritrea came finally into fruitful beginning. The fans’ voices echoed in the stadium, in the cities, all corners of the country through the live media channels on air at the moment, Dimtsi Hafash and Eri-TV. Everybody in the stadium praised the team on high and so did the team to reveal their reply.

As both of the coaches have witnessed in the press conference right after the game, both teams played rarely and their play performance was 50-50. Despite the final result the Tanzanian coach expressed his confidence that his team can pass winning over the next games they are to play next.

As it is said that “Agood beginning leads to good ending”, the team of the Red Sea Camels under the direct coaching of Coach Negash Teklit, along with his former teammates, Alemseged Ephraim and Berhane Araia, looking forward to put on the crown of success; and so as to make history in the first home hosted tournament.

Present in the press conference General Secretary of CECAFA, Mr. Nicholas Musonye admired the qualified and big event Eritrea is managing to congregate in such a colorful and appealing way. He also wished that all teams would do their best at handling the game to go smooth and finally become a successful end.

Satisfied by the hospitability and provisions of accommodations for their stay in the tournament weeks, the General Secretary reiterated that they are very grateful to the Eritrean Government, Football Federation, and the people in general for embracing that huge responsibility and handling.

Wishing forward of watching good football and experiencing fun in the weeks of tournament, the players and fans of each team expressed their desire to pay back the people and government of Eritrea for this lovely and entraining football contest on its fir host though displaying their utmost performance on the peach.

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