Nine-year-old Ishaq Mohamed of Clairwood is a South Coast Madressa learner who has been selected to represent KwaZulu- Natal in the 2023 Italia Soccer Tour in Italy. Ishaq, who is a football fanatic, is known by his friends and peers as ‘Mo Salah’, a well-known Liverpool FC player.
The opportunity to go to Italy presented itself to Ishaq because of his hard work, football skills and talent. Zakia, Ishaq’s mom, said that they are appealing to the community to assist with sponsorship for the trip in April.
“We are appealing to anyone who would like to sponsor however much or little toward my boy’s trip in April. We need to raise R21 000 and with some assistance, it is surely achievable. My son has been playing football from the age of three. He initially played for a club called Bayview and thereafter represented his school in a tournament for Under-11s. Since then, he was scouted by Durban Lions and thereafter played with the team.
“He is a very ambitious young man. At the age of nine, he is capable of leading the game. He plays defender, striker and midfielder. However, any position that he is given, he plays it wholeheartedly and to the best of his ability,” Zakia said, adding that apart from his sporting skills, he is a very helpful, caring and loving child who makes sure that he gives enough attention to his academic work and his religious beliefs as well.
“Every time he goes on the field, he thanks God for it. He believes that nothing is possible without God’s help. His dream is to play for Liverpool FC one day. He is a great team player,” she said. For more information or to sponsor the future football star, contact his mom, Zakia, on 072-442-9449.
