A passionate and driven young boy from Bakerton is kicking up a storm on the football field, making his family and community proud.
In December, 10-year-old Mohammed Ashraf Ikram, a left-wing for African Tigers FC, represented his team in a five-day training camp in Cape Town.
As the only young soccer star in his team, Ashraf made the selection to showcase his football skills at the Feyenoord Academy.
Feyenoord Rotterdam is a Dutch professional association football club in Rotterdam that plays in the Eredivisie, a top tier in Dutch football.
African Tigers FC coach Imtiaz Chouglay explained that the camp was for experience purposes and for children to learn the Dutch way and football methodology.
“The players go through intense training sessions twice daily over five days. The academy is also focused on several different aspects of football.
“Ashraf is a very disciplined and skilled player,” said Chouglay.
At the end of the camp, Ashraf bagged an award for being the most valuable player.
If the Springs Muslim School learner is not at school, he is on the soccer field playing what he calls “his first love”.
Asiyah, his mother, says her son is a soccer enthusiast, something Ashraf proved to be true despite her initial doubts.
“He started playing cricket, and I just thought he would want to take after his father and become a cricket player, too,” said Asiyah.
“As time passed, I saw his passion for soccer grow immensely. It was unexpected, but I was stunned at what a good player he was.”
Asiyah proudly mentioned that Ashraf had added to the family’s list of soccer lovers, namely his father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.
With just a few words to say, Ashraf said his dream is to become a professional football star.
“I am motivated by the international football player, Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Ashraf.
Ashraf’s selection to be part of the Feyenoord Academy has opened international doors for him.
He was one of the three players selected from 80 others to compete in football trials in the Netherlands in May.
His family seeks sponsors to help Ashraf’s dream come true. For more information, call Asiyah on 069 124 1917.
