The Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Federal Government of Somalia has congratulated and expressed full support for the new interim leadership of the Somali Basketball Federation, officially recognizing Mr. Kooshin Abdisalam Diriye as the Interim President of the Somali Basketball Federation SBF/XSKK.
Kooshin Abdisalam Diriye was elected following an Extraordinary General Assembly held on June 28, 2026, where members agreed to dissolve the previous Executive Committee and establish a new interim leadership structure based on legality, accountability, and the rebuilding of the Somali Basketball Federation.
In an official statement issued on June 30, 2026, the Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed that it recognizes the new Interim President and Executive Committee as the legitimate interim leadership of basketball in Somalia. The Ministry also stated that it is communicating this recognition to FIBA, the Arab Basketball Confederation, and other international partners.
Kooshin brings with him a strong record of basketball leadership and development. He is widely credited for playing an important role in the rise of Nairobi City Thunder, helping transform the club into one of the strongest basketball programs in East Africa. During his time with the organization, Nairobi City Thunder built a winning culture, attracted high-level talent, strengthened its professional structure, and became known for its dominant run in Kenyan basketball. His experience with Nairobi City Thunder is now seen as an important example of the kind of organization, recruitment, and competitive vision he hopes to bring to Somali basketball.
President Kooshin said he is excited about the future of Somali basketball and believes this is the beginning of real change for the sport.
“This is a new chapter for Somali basketball,” Kooshin said. “We have a lot of Somali talent around the world, and we must create a system that attracts those players, supports them, and gives them a reason to represent Somalia at the highest level.”
Kooshin also followed the 2026 Somali Week Basketball Tournament in Minnesota through the livestream, where he saw the level of talent within the Somali diaspora. He said the tournament showed how much potential exists outside Somalia and why the federation must build stronger connections with Somali athletes around the world.
“Watching Somali Week Basketball in Minnesota through the livestream showed me that our talent is everywhere,” he said. “We need to reach Somali players across the world, bring them together, and build teams that can compete internationally. Somalia has the talent. Now we need the organization, the league, and the vision to match it.”
Under his interim leadership, Kooshin is expected to focus on rebuilding the federation’s structure, strengthening relationships with international basketball organizations, reopening the national basketball league, and improving Somalia’s participation in international competitions.
He also emphasized that both domestic basketball and Somalia’s international program must improve if the country wants to compete at a higher level.
“For Somalia to succeed, we must improve both the country league and our international competition,” Kooshin said. “The local league must become stronger, more organized, and more competitive. At the same time, our national teams must be prepared to compete at a high level against other countries.”
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has expressed its full support for the new leadership as it carries out its mandate, especially its commitment to restoring competitive basketball in Somalia and creating more opportunities for Somali youth.
This recognition marks a hopeful new beginning for Somali basketball. With new leadership, renewed government support, Kooshin’s experience in building winning basketball programs, and a growing pool of Somali talent across the world, the Somali Basketball Federation now has an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the sport, and create a clear pathway for the next generation of Somali basketball players.
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