Five year old Mohammed Mosheem of Lautoka has been awarded complimentary lifetime access to all events sanctioned by the Fiji Football Association.
Mosheem caught the eyes of many including Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel and board members during the kids programme at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
The Just Play programme was held at the 2020 Punjas Battle of the Giants tournament where Mosheem became the Champion of the Day.
Mosheem survived a house fire in 2017 when he was just 18 months old – the same fire which claimed the life of his mother. His while body bears the scars of the tragedy. But the brave fire survivor did not let anything stop him from joining more the 100 children during the programme.
Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said they noticed him standing on the sideline with his grandmother, in an emotional state. He wanted to play but was holding back, tentative and unsure of he would be welcome. FFA officials encouraged him to join all the other children. This was when Mosheems’s grandmother informed officials of his tragic past.
“He asked his grandmother to bring him to the grounds and but felt overwhelmed when he saw all the other kids. But his scars are a testimony to his courage, and we finally got him out of his shell, before he cheerfully joined the other kids, ” Yusuf said
Yusuf said they were told he suffered almost 50 percent burns in 2017 when his house caught fire and he lost his mother.
“He was one and half year old during that time and now his grandmother is taking care of him and he calls his grandmother his mum,”
“His story touched everyone here and we took him to ground where he showed his passion and love for football, “said Yusuf.
Yusuf said Mosheem was full of joy, playing and showing dribbling and kicking skills which also touched the heart of many kids and parents.
“We saw his potential to become an excellent player in future so we decided to give free entry to him and his grandmother to all Fiji FA tournaments and National League matches free for life time, “added Yusuf.
“He will also be given opportunity to develop his football skills under our technical department with all other opportunities that will get him success in football,”
Speaking to Fiji FA Media, Mosheem said he loves playing football.
“I love dribbling and kicking the ball and I want to become a good player and play for Lautoka when I grow up,”
“I really had fun today (Saturday) playing with so many kids and I thank Fiji Football for cheering me and giving me opportunity to play with other friends here and also for taking care of me, “said Mosheem.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel also paid tribute to young Mosheem
“He exemplifies the spirit of our game. Football is for everyone. All one needs is the desire to play this beautiful game. We look forward to working with young Mosheem and enhancing his love for football.”
Patel added: “This is part of our social responsibility program and we will continue such programmes and assisting in underprivileged children to success in life.”
