Young players dream big after watching Bafana Bafana

Mercurial Stars FC youngster Safwaan Chotia said his dream was to wear the green and gold kit and play for Bafana Bafana in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Chotia held his hand on his chest while belting out the national anthem and watched in awe as Bafana beat Morocco 2-1 in an AFCON group K qualifier on June 17 at the FNB Stadium.

“How I wish I could put on the national jersey and represent SA,” said Chotia to his coach, Mohamed Adam, after the game.

Adam said they organised this team-building exercise for their players to get a “first-hand experience of what the real stage feels like”.

“The game didn’t disappoint. That Bafana Bafana not only won but played a fantastic game certainly gave our boys the inspiration and motivation they need to work hard,” Adam said.

“It also motivated them to be dedicated and disciplined so that they don’t only dream but envisage themselves proudly donning the Bafana jersey and representing our country.”

According to Adam, the players realised the importance of dedication, discipline and what it meant to play for the badge while watching the game.

He said the statement by Chotia, who plays for the club’s U6 team, was enough for him and the rest of the team to see how the match affected the players.

“It was enough to make us realise the effort we put into these youngsters will most definitely not go unrewarded. The day will come when that dream is a reality,” he said.

Adam stated they started this club last year on the vision and mentorship of former Moroka Swallows defender, Sulie ‘Bham-Jive’ Bhamjee, who enjoyed an illustrious career in the 1980s.

He said the club began from the ashes of the Covid-affected Elands United, where Bham-Jive was a long-time coach.

Adam and a few legends regrouped after Covid-19 and decided to continue Bhamjee’s legacy, but on the advice of their chairperson, Ma’aawiya Bhamjee, they rebranded the club because they wanted to keep the history of Elands United intact.

“Our chairman advised us Elands United should only be associated with yesteryear players familiar with the country’s football history.

“He said the best idea would be to resume where we left off, only with a new name and logo but with the same brand of football and philosophy. That’s where our journey began,” Adam said.

Mercurial FC caters for U6 to U17 players and has a legends team.

They are part of the Eastern Local Football Association and use the Benoni West Primary School fields, where they installed flood lights, as their base.

If you want to join the club, call Mahomed Adam on 082 212 8696 or Zunaid Bhamjee on 073 763 7504 for more information.

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