This archive report was first published on 21 December 2019.
On Saturday, Sindo United will face off against Somaliland's national football team at the Hargeisa National Stadium, a venue that has not hosted an international friendly in three decades.
The match is part of Somaliland's campaign for international recognition, and Sindo United has been invited by the Somaliland Ministry of Sports courtesy of the country's embassy in Nairobi.
Coached by former Kenya international Boniface Ambani, Sindo United arrived in Hargeisa on Friday to a red carpet welcome from officials of the Somaliland sports ministry.
According to Sports Minister Boos Mire, 'This is a special game for us. It is the first ever time we are welcoming a foreign football team here and it means a lot to Somaliland.'
Coach Ambani emphasized that the game is not about winning, but about building relations between Kenya and Somaliland, saying 'I feel honoured to be part of a foreign team that plays here for the first time.'
The match is also seen as a way to promote Somaliland's push for self-determination, with Sindo United using sports to help Somalilanders achieve their goals.
The friendly kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.
