Brussels, Belgium – 18 February, 2026
During an official working visit to Belgium, the Head of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Gaashaan Party, Mr. Saydali Abdi Hussein (commonly known as Sayga Haaji), paid a visit to the training center of the Somali women’s football team known as the Hijab Team.
The visit took place as part of his broader diplomatic and international engagement program aimed at strengthening connections with Somali diaspora communities and supporting youth and women’s development initiatives abroad.
Upon arrival at the training facility, Saydali Abdi Hussein (Sayga Haaji) was warmly welcomed by the Hijab Team players and coaching staff, who organized a special reception in his honor. The team expressed appreciation for his visit, noting that it serves as a strong encouragement for Somali female athletes living and training in Europe.
During the visit, Saydali Abdi Hussein (Sayga Haaji) observed training sessions and interacted with the players, discussing the importance of sports in empowering young women and promoting unity, discipline, and international representation.
He praised the Hijab Team for their dedication and commitment to representing Somali identity in international sports, highlighting that such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening cultural pride and community cohesion.
Saydali Abdi Hussein (Sayga Haaji) emphasized the importance of supporting women’s participation in sports, stating that initiatives like the Hijab Team contribute significantly to youth empowerment and positive social development within the Somali diaspora.
The Hijab Team management expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as a motivational moment for the players and a recognition of their efforts in promoting Somali women’s football in Europe.
The visit concluded with group discussions, photographs, and a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration between diaspora sports initiatives and Somali community leadership structures.
