With big dreams for his future, a Beacon Valley teenager is hoping to jet off to Argentina in July to play in the Buenos Aires International Soccer Tournament, also known as the BA Cup.
Mustaqeem Abrahams, 16, was chosen to play in the tournament through his soccer club, Bayview FC. He joined Bayview this year and plays centre forward.
However, before he can start packing his bags for Argentina, Mustaqeem needs to raise R27 000 to cover the costs of the trip.
Mustaqeem will also be playing in a tournament from Saturday June 15 to Monday June 17 in Strandfontein and will be one of 1 000 youngsters who will compete, said Bayview chairman and under-16 coach, Mark Rodrigues.
Mustaqeem lived in Bo-Kaap as a little boy and did not know a thing about soccer. When he moved to Beacon Valley in 2010 with his family, he joined Ashley Rovers FC in Lentegeur, at the age of 9, until 2016.
He needs to raise the funds to cover his flight, accommodation, meals and registration for his trip. Both his parents are unemployed and are working hard to raise the funds for Mustaqeem.
His mother, Shaheema Abrahams, 41, said her son lives for soccer, as that’s the only thing he ever talks about. “When he comes from school, he heads to soccer practice and comes home late in the evening. He is dedicated to this sport, he lives and breathes soccer,” said Ms Abrahams.
His grandmother, Latiefa Abrahams, 62, said she is so excited she wants to jump into his luggage with him. “I can see that he is very excited about going away. This will be his first time going so far. I can cry of all the excitement for him.”
Mr Rodrigues said Mustaqeem has his eye on the prize. “He is a very good player and is committed to his training. He is always open to learning more about soccer and the position he plays.
“Mustaqeem is easy to work with, he has a goal and he will achieve it,”
The famous soccer player, Neymar Junior who plays for PSG (Paris Saint Germain) in Brazil inspires Mustaqeem, “because he came from nothing, not being able to afford his dreams. Today, he is where he is because he did not give up on his dreams. I will persevere, and push to pursue my dreams. I look forward to going to Argentina,” said Mustaqeem. To help Mustaqeem, contact his mother, Ms Abrahams on 064 142 3193 or Narriman Abrahams on 074 513 920.
