FIFA President Gianni Infantino excited football fans with his Swahili on Friday while making his speech during the opening ceremony of the African Football League (AFL) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Infantino was among the international dignitaries who graced the occasion as the new African League is set to transform club football on the continent.
He praised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its effort in organizing the football league calling it a testament to their vision and commitment to the sport that is loved by billions of fans across the globe.
“I want to thank the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the whole of African football for their initiatives in constantly developing football in Africa,” said Mr Infantino.
The FIFA president recognized the two clubs that were to open the event, Simba SC of Tanzania and Al Alhy of Algeria.
It was while introducing Tanzania’s Simba SC that he spoke Swahili language exciting thousands of fans that were gathered in the stadium.
“Simba nguvu moja!! Simba nguvu moja!!” Infantino said in Swahili as fans celebrated and lifted Simba’s poster.
“Karibu Tanzania.. this is passion, this is love, this is Tanzania, this is Africa, this is Simba, this is Al Ahly, this is CAF, this is FIFA and this is football. Football unites the world and today football unites the world from Tanzania.”
The FIFA boss termed new African Football League as the best football competition in Africa and a good opportunity for African clubs to be in the global football arena. He asked Africans to enjoy the competition as it starts what is expected to be an interesting journey.
