Small beginnings

Date: 05-04-2024 – By: Pieter Barten

Pieter Barten is manager of and coach in the academy. Here he proudly shares something about one of the players in the academy. His name is Salah (Abdigani) Daher Moussa.

I met Salah almost two years ago when I was coaching a division III team in Djibouti. He wanted to join the team, but in that year he was still too young (17). It was not that I directly saw a great player in him, but I saw a young boy with character. Once in a while he came back to join the team for training, but he was also busy with his school. Through the year we kept in touch.

In the academy

At the start of this new season, and also at the start of the first academy season we met again. I didn’t have to think too long to give him a place into the new selection. It was not a very easy start, because Salah was struggling with his football qualities. But what a blessing to see him grow in those first months. Through his passion, commitment and hard work he showed leadership. His football qualities grew also faster than I expected. He became a great example for other players in the academy

As captain

It was not difficult for us as staff to appoint Salah as the first official captain of the academy, and also for the players it was not a surprise. The step of becoming a captain was good for his Salah’s own learning process. He took his role very serious, and was of great help for the staff and players. Salah is now coaching other players in leadership, and is leading the team to more and more victories on the field.

Salah stands for what we want to see in this academy. We see a young guy with a dream and a lot of talents. He uses these talents, and is thankful for the blessings we give him as academy and wants to share these blessings with others. He shows that through hard work it is possible to grow fast and become the best. We thank Salah and look forward to work together in the seasons to come. May God bless you!