The Somali Premier League, also known as the Somali First Division, is the top professional league for men's association football in Somalia. It has been active for over 50 years, having been established in 1967. The league consists of 12 clubs that compete for the national title and the chance to represent Somalia in the CAF Champions League. The current champions are Gaadiidka FC, who won their first title in the 2021-22 season.
The Origins of Football in Somalia
Football is the most popular sport in Somalia, with a long and rich history that dates back to the colonial era. In the 1930s, Italian colonial authorities established some of the first teams in Somalia, such as Lavori Publici, Marine Club, and Hoga¹. These teams were mainly composed of Italian settlers and Somali workers, and played in local tournaments and friendly matches.
After Somalia gained its independence in 1960, football became a symbol of national pride and unity. The Somali Football Federation (SFF) was founded in 1951 and joined FIFA in 1962¹. The SFF organized the first national league in 1967, with eight teams participating. The first champions were Somali Police FC of Mogadishu (called "Booliska" in Somali language)., who later changed their name to Heegan¹. The league expanded to 10 teams in 1971 and 12 teams in 1975.
The Golden Era of Somali Football
The 1970s and 1980s are considered the golden era of Somali football, as the league produced some of the best teams and players in the country's history. Horseed FC dominated the league, winning seven titles between 1971 and 1980.
Another successful team in this period was Wagad, who won four titles between 1982 and 1988¹. Wagad was the first team to break Horseed's dominance and challenge them for the title. Wagad also had some of the best players in the league, such as Abdi Ali Sheik, who was the top scorer of the league in 1982, 1983, and 1985¹, and Abdi Bile, who won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1987².
The Impact of Civil War and Instability
The outbreak of the civil war in 1991 had a devastating impact on Somali football, as the league was suspended and many stadiums and facilities were destroyed or looted. Many players and coaches fled the country or joined the armed factions, while others continued to play in makeshift pitches and tournaments. The SFF struggled to maintain its operations and membership in FIFA and CAF, as it faced challenges of security, funding, and recognition.
Despite the difficulties, the SFF managed to resume the league in 1994, with Merca New Supplies winning the title¹. The league continued to operate intermittently, with some seasons being cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing conflict and instability. The league also faced competition from other tournaments, such as the Inter-Riverine Championship and the Peace Cup, which were organized by different regions and clans.
The Revival of Somali Football
The 2010s marked a new era of revival and development for Somali football, as the country gradually recovered from the civil war and embarked on a process of reconstruction and reconciliation. The SFF received support from FIFA and CAF to rebuild its infrastructure and capacity, and to organize regular competitions and training programs. The SFF also launched initiatives to promote football among women, youth, and refugees, and to use football as a tool for peace and social cohesion.
The league also witnessed a resurgence of quality and competitiveness, as new and old teams emerged to challenge for the title. Elman FC, who won four consecutive titles between 2000 and 2003¹, returned to the top in 2011 and 2012¹. Banadir, who won three titles in a row between 2008 and 2010¹, reclaimed the title in 2013-14 and 2015-16¹. Dekedaha, who inherited the legacy of Ports Authority, won three titles in 2016-17, 2018, and 2019¹. Mogadishu City Club, who are the most successful team in the league's history with 10 titles¹, ended a 30-year drought by winning the title in 2019-20¹. Horseed FC, who are the second most successful team with eight titles¹, ended a 40-year drought by winning the title in 2020-21¹. Gaadiidka FC, who won their first and only title in 1990¹, repeated the feat in 2021-22¹.
The league also attracted foreign players, mainly from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, who added diversity and quality to the teams³. Some of the notable foreign players who played in the league include Allan Kateregga, who played for Horseed FC and later joined Cape Town City in South Africa³, and Innocent Wafula, who played for Mogadishu City Club and later joined Gor Mahia in Kenya³.
The Future of Somali Football
The Somali Premier League is one of the oldest and most resilient leagues in Africa, having survived and thrived despite the challenges of war, poverty, and instability. The league is a source of pride and passion for the Somali people, who love and support their teams and players. The league is also a platform for talent and opportunity, as it produces players who represent Somalia in the national team or pursue careers abroad.
The future of Somali football looks bright, as the SFF continues to work with its partners and stakeholders to improve the quality and professionalism of the league, and to develop the infrastructure and capacity of the clubs and players. The SFF also aims to increase the exposure and visibility of the league, by securing broadcast and sponsorship deals, and by participating in regional and continental competitions. The SFF hopes that the league will become a model and inspiration for other African countries, and that Somali football will achieve its full potential and glory
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