The last #SambaSoccer4PeaceCup delivered us lessons and outcomes, but none better than our discovery of a young, talented “Rock”of a leader in the name of Abdulfatah Hashim, from Kwale Chapter, Golini area.
Kwale Chapter brought together young players from Ziwani, Kwale Township, Tsimba, and neighborhood areas, assembled by SambaSports Youth Agenda in May 2018, as U-12 boys soccer team, by then. The team has grown together, through SambaSports tournaments and support, although adversely affected by the Covid19 between March 2020 and November 2021, without much involvement.
In December 2021, we supported the now U15 team to play in two tournaments: First, the DIANI SUPER CUP , where Abdulfattah captained the team to play against football academies from Nairobi, emerging in 3rd position though tying on points with the position 2 team, and later the #SambaSoccer4peace where he lead the team to the finals, unbeaten, but lost the finals one nil to Kubo Rangers.
At only 15 years, Abdulfattah assumed an overall leadership role of the team, in the absence of his coach, who had a sick wife during the SambaSports tournament.
As the games approached, and the coach caught up, the captain almost singlehandedly mobilized his team members from their homes, and encouraged them to travel to Kombani for the tournament. He mobilized resources for travels, and took responsibility for logistics during the tournament. He was involved in team selection, leadership in the pitch, motivating the team and ensuring discipline throughout.
When we asked the coach how he related with Abdulfattah, this is what he had to say, “Abdulfattah is the closest player to me. He keeps the other players in check, and constantly cautions his teammates that he will report them to me if they exhibit behaviour that is against our values and ideals. He is one of the reasons the team has stuck together for over 3 years now.”
Even the way he plays in that midfield, he shows loads of respect to his opponents. He is tough, but fair. At one point during the semifinals, he stopped playing and went to pick up a fallen opposing player, and called the ref to attention to pause the play so that his opponent could get medical attention…such is leadership.
Now, asking ourselves, where does he get his support to behave this way? Our question was answered during the finals. Abdulfattah’s mother travelled all the way to come and watch him play. That symbolized a great support from his family, especially his parents. So parents out there, you may also have your own “Abdulfattahs” that are just waiting for your support to blossom.
Congratulations Abdulfattah for being an inspiration. You are destined for absolute greatness, In Shaa Allah.
