Sunday Tribune

Junior football star has taste of Europe

- MYRON NAICKER

AFTER scoring a phenomenal number of goals for the KZN Academy last season, Muhhamed Uwais Saeed headed to Europe last month to spend some time at top flight Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal.

Much like his hero Cristiano Ronaldo, 14-year-old Muhhamed’s statistics are extraordin­ary. He scored 48 goals in the 32 games he played last season, which enabled the KZN Academy to lift Durban Central’s Under-15 league at a canter.

The lanky striker is a natural player and if he is not banging in goals, then he is creating them with some silky link-up play.

The trip to Setubal was arranged by the academy to assess Muhhamed’s ability alongside some of the best junior footballer­s in Portugal.

“It was my first time over there and I enjoyed myself. I learnt so much,” Muhhamed said.

Muhhamed, who attends Orient Islamic School, fell in love with the game at the age of 5 while playing backyard football. He says the 12 days at Setubal gave him a new perspectiv­e on the game.

“The one thing that stood out was the intensity,” Muhhamed said.

“The guys are much bigger and stronger and that makes a big difference in the game. It is something that I feel I will have to work on this year, I have to spend more time in the gym,” he added.

Setubal boasts a well establishe­d academy with youth developmen­t a major focus for the club.

“Their approach is very different to South Africa. It is much more tactical, the coaches demand a lot from the players. You have to be smart and be able to play according to the plan.”

The KZN Academy enjoys a good relationsh­ip with Setubal. Three of its graduates, Sphephelo Sithole, Philani Jaca and Nkanyiso Shinga are currently signed to the club’s youth teams.

Muhhamed has ambitions of playing in Europe but he is too young to sign a contract. He understand­s that he must work on his game.

“The trip showed me where I need to be as a player. There is a lot that I need to improve on. I am ready to work hard and do my best,” Muhhamed said.

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