The Comorian football community gathered at the Stade de Moroni on September 18, 2026, to bid farewell to Mze Ali Babali alias Hondier, a legendary footballer who passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 58. The Union des clubs de Moroni (Ucm) organized a Tahtima ceremony, which was attended by several notable figures, including the president of the Fédération de football des Comores, Saïd Ali Saïd Athoumani, and the president of the Ligue de football de Ngazidja, Kaissane Mohamed.
The ceremony began with a collective reading of the Yasin surah of the Quran, followed by prayers and tributes to the deceased. Several people took to the stage to share their memories and pay tribute to Hondier's life and career. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including former ministers of sports, former footballers, referees, club officials, and close friends and family members of the late footballer.
Hondier, also known as Mze Ali Babali, was a highly respected figure in Comorian football. He was part of the country's national team between 1980 and 1990 and participated in several notable tournaments, including the Jeux des îles de l'océan Indien in 1985, 1990, and 1993. He was just 17 years old when he took part in the 1985 games.
The late footballer had a remarkable career, having played for several clubs, including La Réunion and France. He is remembered as the first Comorian footballer to be recruited by a foreign club. His contributions to Comorian football have left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered for his passion and dedication to the sport.
During the ceremony, a livret was opened for people to write down their memories and share their stories about Hondier. These tributes will be collected and sent to his children, who currently reside in France. The gathering was a testament to the impact Hondier had on the lives of those who knew him, both on and off the pitch.
Those who attended the ceremony praised Hondier as a "battant, an man who loved the spectacle and knew how to make it happen, both on and off the pitch." His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Comorian footballers. The event was a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on Comorian football.
The Tahtima ceremony was a poignant reminder of Hondier's impact on the Comorian football community. His story serves as an inspiration to many, and his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched throughout his life and career.
Key points
- Mze Ali Babali alias Hondier was the first Comorian footballer to be recruited by a foreign club.
- Hondier participated in several notable tournaments, including the Jeux des îles de l'océan Indien in 1985, 1990, and 1993.
- A Tahtima ceremony was held at the Stade de Moroni to pay tribute to Hondier's life and career.
