Yidnekatchew Tessema

The late former President of the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa, Nigerian Chief Abraham Ordia; on the Expulsion of Apartheid South Africa from F.I.F.A.; 17 September 1976.
"...At long last you have achieved this significant success not only for Africa but for the black races of the world and for all those who have respect for human dignity..."

The late former President of F.I.F.A., Englishman Sir Stanley Rous; in his 1978 autobiography, "Football Worlds; A life time in sport".
"The President of the African Football Confederation, Mr. Tessema, has been working hard to develop football in the Continent. He had been a F.I.F.A. member and with his forceful personality he ensured quick progress. Though I had many differences of opinion with him we maintained a friendly relationship and I appreciated his driving determination to raise the standard of African football".

Former President of Zambia, H.E. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda; during a dinner in honour of Yidnekatchew Tessema, at State House in Lusaka, on 16 February 1986.

"...The way you have organized soccer in our Continent, the way you have defended our interests, speak volumes in your favour".

The late former Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity; H.E. Mr. Ide Oumarou; in his message of condolence.

"...His life long and outstanding contribution to the World of sports and particularly to the promotion of football in Africa has earned him personally, his country and the rest of Africa, International reputation and respect.."

Spanish Juan Antonio Samaranch; former President of the International Olympic Committee.

"....He will undoubtedly be remembered by the whole Olympic and International sports community, as the real father of African sports and its wise leader".

Sudanese Dr. Abdel Halim Mohamed, Yidnekatchew's colleague for 30 years and Acting President of CAF from the day he passed away-until the election of his successor in March-1988.
"....Tessema was just and firm, but not stubborn. He was kind and lenient and very humane, but not weak. He worked for the dignity of the African and for the Unity, solidarity and friendship among the people of Africa and in the World. We mourn his death. He lived and worked for Africa, so let us keep the flag flying".

Cameroonian Mr. Issa Hayatou, Yidnekatchew's successor as the President of the African Football Confederation; during a memorial ceremony on 19 August 1997.

"..On 19 August 1987, President Tessema left us. CAF's large family was anxious. After ten years, to honour the memory of the late leader, they wished it were possible to have the memorial Ceremony held in Addis-Ababa, where late Tessema is resting. But destiny has decided differently, it is on the Nile's banks in Cairo, City of CAF Headquarters that the deceased would receive a ceremonial tribute from his former fellow companions and all the African Football family".

Brazilian Dr.Joao Havellange; at the time, President of F.I.F.A.

"...He was unquestionably a pillar of wisdom and a unifying force among all the Confederations.... a remarkable example of courage devotion and intelligence to us all in F.I.F.A & the I.O.C..... Sadly he left us too soon, he still had a lot to give.... To honour the memory of Yidnekatchew Tessema, F.I.F.A. posthumously awarded him its highest distinction-The Order of Merit in Gold- at the Congress in Zurich on July 01 1988.

Senegalese Mr. Lamine Diack; at the time one of Yidnekatchew's two deputy Vice Presidents in the Union of Africa Sports Confederations, currently President of the I.A.A.F.
...By his intelligence, competence, relentless efforts and integrity, our senior Yidnekatchew Tessema had won everyone's esteem and respect. He has left us after a difficult battle. We express our saddest condolences to his family, to his country, Millenary Ethiopia and to all our friends in CAF. He held the torch until the end. His example must inspire those who will be entrusted with the continuation and development of his admirable action for the benefit of African sport".

South African Sam Ramsamy; former Chairman in exile of the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee, on the occasion of the 40th day commemoration of Yidnekatchew's death, in Cairo September 28 1987.
"..Mr. Tessema was a source of great strength for the oppressed people of Southern Africa. His vigorous campaign against Apartheid in sports tremendously boosted the morale of us South Africans. We are all aware of the leading role he played in keeping South Africa and Rhodesia out of the Olympic games. It was under his Presidency that Apartheid South Africa was expelled from F.I.F.A. in 1976. His speech at the F.I.F.A. Congress in 1964 still echoes in our mind. His achievements on our behalf are too numerous to mention here. We miss him dearly but his activity on our behalf will be recorded for perpetuity".

U.E.F.A., The Union of European Football Associations.

"The death of CAF President has robbed the whole of the sports movement in Africa of one of its greatest personalities, a man with exceptional qualities of leadership who never ceased his tireless efforts in the cause of African sport. Over many years of participation with Mr. Tessema at Congresses and other meetings, we came to appreciate and respect the full value of a man whose name will remain forever linked with that of African sport, whose interests he always defended with skill and tenacity..".

Mr. Tambwe Musngelu from the then Zaire, now Congo D.R.; at the time member of the Executive Committee of the African Football Confederation.

"..Great Servant of African Football, working with Tessema was like going to a school of honesty..".

Dr. A.Y. Mgeni, WHO Representative.

..." I wish to use this opportunity, on behalf of WHO, and indeed on my own behalf, to express my great admiration and respect for your late father for his dedication for the course of health promotion in sports, especially on the evils of alcoholism and tobacco smoking. His resolute stand on healthy life-styles went beyond the borders of his country. Indeed he was a great son of Africa and a courageous giant in health promotion...".

Egyptian Abdelmeguid NOOMAN of EL Akhbar News Paper, Cairo.
"..Egypt lost a friend; African and Egyptian football lost one of the greatest pioneers with the passing away of Yidnekatchew Tessema. Due to him, African football met International fame and recognition. With his wisdom and hard work, he succeeded in gathering the Continent, which was divided into French, English and Arabic speaking groups to one united Africa..".

Jeune Afrique Nr. 1395 of 30 September 1987 published this lyric in French, from Mr Antoine Guignon, an admirer from Cote D'ivoire.

" Let us weep, oh, African brothers a new affliction has hit our Continent.

Our father Tessema is no more. Sad Reality!

The good disciple of African football has gone away at the age of 66.

Tessema, who does not know you? With hot tears one remembers Cote D'ivoire 84.

Your odyssey to all the African Stadiums, your outstanding service to football, your strictness and ready availability at the head of the African Football Confederation.

Oh, Tessema, how cruel fate is! Now you leave us orphans. Leaving a vacuum on the " Black Continent".

Yidnekatchew, we shall never forget you. Go in peace, and may the earth which so loved you, rest light on you" .

Anonymous writer on the Amharic Daily Addis Zemen.

" He who created himself on the football field, and never left the field.

He who showed the World what he could do in the World of sports.

The World just lost a hero, a splendid sportsman, an indefatigable fighter for the advancement of sports and World peace.

He who upheld his country's honour, wherever he went. Footballer Commissioner, Yidnekatchew has been snatched away".