For Abdullah Safodien, a bow is more than a piece of sporting equipment. It is a bridge to history, to Islam and to a profound personal discipline. Now 50, Safodien took up archery at the age of 42.

Reflecting on his journey, Safodien told Al-Qalam that his path was shaped by a clear guiding force – a simple sunnah echoing down the centuries. He quoted the Prophet Muhammed (SAW): ‘Teach your children horse riding and archery.’ “The wisdom of these words resonated deeply with me, and I knew that I had to embark on this journey,” he said.

Living in Johannesburg, Safodien found himself drawn to traditional archery, but access to formal training was scarce. “Undeterred, I took it upon myself to craft my own bow and learn the art of shooting solo,” he said.

What followed was countless hours of research, experimentation and practice as he was determined to not just learn but master the craft. “This self-taught journey, though challenging, instilled in me a sense of discipline and resilience,” he added.

While archery came later, Safodien was no stranger to horse-riding. “I’ve been in the saddle for over 30 years,” he shared.

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That perseverance has carried him far, translating into tangible achievements: a second-place finish at the 2018 Grand African Tournament (Mounted archery), which earned him a spot on the South African Protea team for the World Championships in South Korea. That same year, he placed third in a mounted archery competition in Indonesia.

More recently, Safodien represented South Africa at the 2025 International Horseback Archery Alliance (IHAA) World Championships in Tennessee, United States, where he was placed fifth in the Masters Division – a significant accomplishment on one of the sport’s most competitive international stages.

“These achievements are a testament to the power of hard work, dedication and faith. They remind me that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible,” he said.

Competing abroad brought with it physical setbacks, injuries and demanding conditions. But through it all, Islam has shaped his approach. When Safodien began competing, he realised that archery was not just about hitting a target. “It was about connecting with a rich history and culture that transcended borders and faiths and cultivates a sense of calmness and focus,” he said.

Working with horses has further deepened that understanding. Mounted archery demands communication beyond words and an acute awareness of one’s inner state. “The horse responds to your mental strength. If you’re unsettled, it shows. As I ride and shoot, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit,” he said.

In an era defined by speed and constant stimulation, Safodien believes the preservation of traditional disciplines like archery and horse-riding is more important than ever: “These skills teach patience and awareness. They teach us to slow down and focus on the present moment. It is a reminder that there is beauty in the slow and deliberate pace of life.”

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For Safodien, archery is a holistic practice that has helped him find balance and harmony in all aspects of his life. “Archery has been a catalyst for growth, pushing me to confront my fears and limitations,” he said. 

That philosophy is central to the work of the Qurtuba Furusiyyah Archery Club, which Safodien is closely involved in. The club aims to make traditional archery accessible to the broader community, offering training for both children and adults.

He is particularly passionate about archery as a school extramural activity. Beyond physical coordination, he believes it teaches children focus, self-discipline and emotional regulation – skills that extend far beyond the range. “It teaches children how to manage pressure and develop patience and confidence – qualities they carry into every part of their lives,” he said.

For adults who believe it may be “too late” to start something new, Safodien offers simple reassurance: “Archery is a form of ibadah, a means of exercise and a path to spiritual growth. It is an activity that can be adapted to any age or ability, offering a sense of community and belonging. I encourage you to take the first step, to pick up a bow and arrow, and to experience the transformative power of archery for yourself.”

The post ‘Archery is a form of Ibadah’ – Abdullah Safodien appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Pristine expansive beaches, waves crashing onto black rocks, cows lazing on the beaches, tall hills covered in green vegetation rising from the beaches and smiling Amapondo people in tiny remote villages. These images are forever etched in my memory.

Over five days, I was part of a small group that hiked along the wild coast of the Eastern Cape from Mpande beach northward to Mbotyi. Each day we walked about 12km. Our group consisted of four men and four women, between the ages of 30 and 67. On arrival at Mpande, views of the ocean from the hill were exhilarating and whales frolicking in the deep waters welcomed us.

At the pre-hike briefing, Mthobisi and Sikhona, trained, knowledgeable local guides, explained our route and the terrain, and reminded us to have at least two litres of water, our hiking boots and poles. We carried only what we needed during the hike and our luggage was transported each day by road to the next accommodation.

As this was my first multi-day hike, I did not know what to expect but was eager to get going soon after an early breakfast the next morning. At the river mouth at the bottom of the steep hill, the low tide allowed us to walk across the shallow Sinangwana River. I found the steep climb through the coastal forest arduous. At the top of the hill, I looked back at the beach, bay and river valley far below with a sense of accomplishment. 

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From sea level we climbed steep grass-covered hills to more than a hundred meters, at times having only tufts of grass for footholds. The climb seemed precarious at times. In the early afternoon, as we approached Mqaleni village, I felt a sense of relief. A sumptuous lunch awaited us and the mesmerising view of the Mngazana estuary brought me a sense of soulful peace.

Early the next morning, a small motorboat ferried us across the estuary. As we walked along yet another pristine beach, we noticed the golden sands intermingled with black dust that sparkled in the sun, proof that the area was rich in titanium and other minerals. Local communities are in constestation with the government and an Australian company over mining in the Xolobeni coastal area, which will permanently destroy this pristine area and the lifestyle of local communities. We noticed local women and children gathering mussels off the rocks during the spring tide. At the Umngazi river, we crossed by ferry and continued our hike until Sugarloaf rock where we stopped for lunch. In the afternoon, we reached our destination in Port St Johns.

At 7.30 the next morning, a river barge transported us to the Mzimvubu river mouth, where we disembarked to begin our third day of hiking. I was delighted to hear the calls of the African fish eagles circling high above the river. Along almost every beach, no matter how remote, we were greeted by a herd of cows lazily chewing.

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We arrived at Ntafufu for a lunch of lobsters and grilled vegetables. Without a mobile network, our digital detox began.

The next morning, we crossed the Ntafufu river estuary in a canoe and walked between the forest and the ocean far below the cliffs. At our stop for the day in Manteku, I found the view breathtaking over the expansive ocean, the river estuary and valley framed by tall hills covered in green vegetation. In the evening, I absorbed the sounds of the ocean, the insects and the night birds, and observed the illuminated night sky.

On our last day, we crossed the Manteku River in a canoe. We entered the forest and began the gradual climb to the top of the hill, and walked along secluded beaches to our final destination in Mbotyi.

We had walked in places that can be reached only on foot along narrow cattle tracks. I learnt about the history and culture of the Amapondo nation, about the geography and ecology of the area. I also learnt about the fragility of the local ecosystem. Protecting the unspoilt wild coast and its valuable ecosystem is the responsibility of all South Africans.

*Ahmed booked with Single Track Adventures. The cost was R9800 per person, including shuttle from and to the Wild Coast Sun, accommodation and all meals.

The post ‘My five-day hike along the Wild Coast brough peace’ appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The under-16 girls of Orient Islamic School (OIS) made history in Johannesburg, not just by taking part in their first-ever American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) Volleyball Tournament, but by winning every single match and walking away as champions.

OIS Coach, Aneesah Loonat, told Al-Qalam that preparation for the big weekend began months in advance. “We had an intensive training schedule that focused not just on skill and strategy but also on mental and physical conditioning. Every session had purpose, from refining serves to building chemistry and communication on court,” she said.

The AISJ tournament brought together top teams from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Tanzania and Egypt, offering a platform for both competition and cultural exchange. Day One featured round-robin matches while Day Two saw the intensity ramp up with quarterfinals, semi-finals and the finals running from morning to evening.

Despite the packed schedule, the Orient girls rose to every challenge. Loonat expressed that her biggest expectation was for the girls to play with heart and passion.

A calm and focused, relentless in her energy, captain – Zahraa Seedat – led the team from the front. Alongside her, Sanaa Nakooda showed composure under pressure, Maaida Gadit was a fearless attacker at the net and Asmaa Jadwat kept the rallies alive with sharp defensive play.

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For many of the girls, it was their first major international outing. Azkaa Mominaa Ahmed described the moment vividly: “I remember having butterflies in my stomach before the game, but once I stepped on the court, it was so exciting. Even the small mistakes made it all feel real and special.”

Zahraa Seedat reflected on their hard-fought journey: “We fought for every point, every set, every moment. Today, we stand as international champions, the first Muslim school to ever do it. My team made the impossible look easy.”

Loonat attributes the win to discipline, teamwork and mental strength. “These girls showed up for every session, pushed each other to improve and trusted one another on court. What stood out most wasn’t an individual; it was how they celebrated every point together,” she said.

The semi-final against Michaelmount Waldorf, the defending champions, proved to be their toughest match. “When we finally won that match, it felt like a final in itself,” said Loonat.

Parents and supporters echoed that pride. Munirah Docrat, mother of player Atiyyah Amojee, said that watching from the sidelines was both thrilling and emotional. “It felt surreal… and definitely a strain on my ageing heart,” she joked.

Then came the big moment – the championship victory.

Loonat recalled when the final whistle blew, there was this split second of silence before it all erupted into cheers, hugs and tears. “The crowd, the joy, the disbelief – It was magical. The girls huddled together and it truly felt like we’d made history,” she said.

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Balancing sport, academics and faith is no small feat, yet several players shared that their success stems from careful time management and commitment. “I plan my days, stay organised and make time to rest so I can give my best in both sports and academics,” said Jadwat.

For Amojee, learning to juggle responsibilities has been part of the journey. “I try not to leave things for the last minute and focus on what’s most important. What keeps me going is that I enjoy being involved, I love seeing the results of the effort I put in,” she said.

Beyond the medals, this win carries deep meaning for the school. According to Loonat, this victory is a historic milestone: “It shows that with dedication and belief, our learners can compete and win at the highest level. It has inspired other learners to take up volleyball and believe in their potential.”

From various sponsors to parents, teachers and students cheering from home, it was a team effort beyond the court.

The Orient girls have set the bar high, not just for themselves, but for school sport in Durban. As coach Loonat proudly put it: “This win belongs to everyone who believed in these girls from day one.”

Looking ahead, Loonat said the goal is to maintain this momentum and prepare the next generation to carry the torch forward.

The post Orient girls walk away as champions in international volleyball tournament appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Why was FIFA president at the Egypt Peace summit?

Infantino stated that Trump had invited him to the Summit for Peace and that “FIFA is here to help, to assist and to put ourselves at disposal for whatever we can do to make sure that this peace process comes to fruition and to the best possible end.”

His invitation followed the FIFA president becoming more vocal on the Israel-Gaza conflict in recent days.

Last week, he called for football to support efforts towards peace in the Middle East in the lead-up to two World Cup qualifiers that involved Israel, after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were planned at stadiums in Norway and Italy.

After Friday’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire announcement, Infantino praised the US-brokered plan and singled out Trump to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

“The role of President Trump has been absolutely fundamental and crucial in the process. Without President Trump, there would be no peace,” he said.

What role did Infantino play at the Summit for Peace?

In Sharm el Sheikh, the FIFA president stressed football’s important role in creating new hope in the Middle East region.

Infantino pledged the governing body’s support to rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza as part of wider post-war reconstruction efforts following Monday’s peace summit.

“Football’s role has to be to support, has to be to unite, has to be to give hope in the region. In Gaza, in Palestine, we will, of course, help to rebuild all the football facilities. We will help to bring football back – together with the Palestinian Football Association – in every corner of the country. We will bring (footballs), we will build pitches, we will bring instructors, we will help organise competitions, we will launch a fund to help rebuild football infrastructure in Palestine,” he announced.

Infantino added that FIFA would contribute with mini-pitches and “FIFA arenas” and invite other partners to join the effort, saying “football brings hope to children, and it’s very, very important.”

Trump first met Infantino at the White House in 2018, during his first presidential term, after the US was awarded the co-hosting rights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

They have appeared at summits together before; in 2020, they shared the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It was during this summit that Infantino first called Trump “my great friend”, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

The pair remained in contact when Trump left office in early 2021, but since the second Trump presidency, which coincided with June’s FIFA Club World Cup staged in the US, Infantino has been seen repeatedly with the US president.

Most recently, on August 22, Infantino was filmed inside the Oval Office after he gifted a gold replica World Cup trophy to Trump.

In late 2024, Infantino relocated to Trump’s hometown in Miami due to his North American-based World Cup commitments, ensuring the two friends have easy access for any joint public appearances in the future.

The post Why was FIFA President with Trump at Gaza peace summit? appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged international sporting bodies to ban Israel from competitions, saying its treatment should mirror Russia’s exclusion after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Speaking to his Socialist Party on Monday, Sanchez said Israel’s participation in global events was incompatible with its assault on Gaza. “The sports organisations should consider whether it’s ethical for Israel to keep participating in international competitions. Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?” he asked. “Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.”

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His remarks came a day after pro-Palestinian activists disrupted the closing stage of the Vuelta a Espana cycling race in Madrid, throwing barriers onto the course in protest at the participation of the Israeli team Israel-Premier Tech. Police clashed with demonstrators near the finish line, leaving 22 people injured and arresting two.

Last week, Spanish Sports Minister Pilar Alegria said Israeli teams should be banned from sport in the same way that Russian sides broadly were in 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine, highlighting a “double standard”.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lashed out at Sanchez, calling him an “anti-Semite and a liar”, without elaborating on why the criticism of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza was anti-Semitic. Israel has been accused of weaponising anti-Semitism to target criticism of Israel’s policies against Palestinians.

Last year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the International Criminal Court anti-Semitic after the Hague-based court issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes.

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Tensions between Madrid and Tel Aviv have sharpened in recent months, with Spain’s left-leaning coalition openly backing activists who staged demonstrations during several stages of the Vuelta against the Israeli team’s presence.

Spain is also reportedly planning to scrap a major weapons deal with an Israeli defence manufacturer. According to official documents seen by AFP, Madrid cancelled a contract worth nearly 700 million euros ($824m) for rocket systems designed by Israeli firm Elbit Systems. – Al Jazeera

The post Spanish PM calls for Israel’s ban from sporting events over Gaza genocide appeared first on Al-Qalam.

If the whispers on the Brooklyn streets are to be believed, New York’s Madison Square Garden is about to host one of the most anticipated showdowns in MMA history.

In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the fighting world, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has reportedly let slip that his protégé, Islam Makhachev, will make his welterweight debut by challenging newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The twist? The UFC hasn’t confirmed a word of it, leaving fans tantalised and on edge as they await the official word.

It’s a scenario ripped straight from fantasy matchmaking, the kind that keeps fans arguing for hours on fight forums and Reddit threads. According to multiple reports, Khabib Nurmagomedov dropped the bombshell during a recent public appearance in New York: “Islam is fighting at Madison Square Garden, Maddalena’s team gave the green light,” Khabib declared, igniting a social media frenzy. With the UFC’s November calendar still officially “TBD,” MSG already blocked for the Saturday following the New York Rangers’ road trip, and Khabib’s history of being in Islam’s corner, fans are treating this rumour with more than the usual dose of intrigue.

But let’s be clear: as of press time, the UFC has not made any formal announcement, and Makhachev himself has kept uncharacteristically quiet. Even MMA insiders caution that despite “verbal agreements” or team confirmations, nothing is official until Dana White and the UFC’s digital team hit “send” on the bout contract.

The stakes are enormous. Islam Makhachev, the former UFC lightweight champion with a 27-1 record, is seeking to etch his name in the pantheon of two-division UFC champions. His dominance at 155lbs is the stuff of legend, built on a suffocating wrestling base and increasingly lethal striking. After his record-breaking run as lightweight champ, Makhachev vacated the title to hunt for welterweight gold, openly eyeing the November card at Madison Square Garden as his dream setting for a second belt. Makhachev made clear: the only reason to give up his lightweight strap was to chase unquestioned greatness.

Standing in his way is Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena, the man who shocked the world at UFC 315 by outstriking and outlasting Belal Muhammad to capture the welterweight championship. Considered one of the rising stars in MMA, Della Maddalena has now rattled off 18 straight victories, boasting a reputation as a crisp striker who welcomes the challenge of gritty wrestling-based fighters. His win over Muhammad, a high-volume slugfest in Montreal, marked him as both a dangerous champion and an electrifying new face for the division.

Notably, Della Maddalena hinted in post-fight interviews that he would happily welcome the challenge of a lightweight legend stepping up in weight, flashing his trademark self-belief and laid-back Australian swagger. For fans, it’s a stylistic clash loaded with narrative: can Della Maddalena’s technical boxing and movement keep him off the mat, or will Makhachev’s grinding top game impose its will in a new weight class?

A Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena main event in New York would be more than just a fight; it’s about legacies. MSG has hosted MMA icons and boxing legends, but it’s never seen either of these men headline a card. For Islam Makhachev, it’s a chance to become a two-division champion just as Khabib, his friend and mentor, ruled over lightweight. For Della Maddalena, it cements his status as champion by taking out a historically dominant force in MMA.

The magnitude is amplified by the event’s significance: headlining at MSG in November is arguably the UFC’s most prestigious slot outside of International Fight Week in Las Vegas. With the UFC’s global audience gravitating toward two-division superstars and dominant champions, a fight like this would draw eyes worldwide.

For now, the MMA community waits, refreshes social feeds, and dreams about one of the most compelling fights that could grace the world’s greatest arena. If Khabib’s “leak” proves accurate, UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden could deliver the kind of history-making moment that defines an era. If not, fans can only hope that both these champions remain healthy, and the real announcement is just around the corner

The post Will Islam Makhachev’s fight in New York be the biggest showdown in history? appeared first on Al-Qalam.

What does it take to defy apartheid?  For ‘‘Pops’’ Moolla, the answer was a table tennis bat. 

M.G.H. ” Pops ‘‘Moolla was born in 1932 and died of cardiac arrest on the 11th January 1995. However, his life was abundant with fulfilment.

At 17 in 1950, he represented Southern Natal Table Tennis Championships and strove to the finals, outstripping the grandee champions of his day; namely, I.A. ‘‘Goofy’’ Timol and I.M. Randeree. But as the tournament tailed off, he was defeated by E.S. Randeree after a gruelling 5-set contest. Moolla’s defeat at the Table of Play in his youth did not deter him. He conscientiously strove for supremacy at the game. 

In 1951 and 1957, he got to the finals at the Natal Men’s Table Tennis Tournament.

The visit to ‘‘Pops’’ Moolla’s son, Anwar, testifies to a sportsmanship that is generational in the family; his daughter is a biokineticist. She has a degree in sports science-helping the injured on the field of play. 

Anwar, his son and daughter ran the London and Berlin Marathons sometime in 2024. ‘‘I did 20 comrades marathons,’’ Anwar says. ‘‘As a youngster, I played Table Tennis and qualified for Junior level and represented Southern Natal at Table Tennis Tournaments, but did not follow through as such,’’ he reflected. 

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Anwar demonstrates a quantum love for sport. He is currently involved in yet another sport known as ‘‘Padel’’. ‘‘It is similar to Pickle Ball and some of my friends and I have commercialised the sport by building Padel Courts in various places,’’ he says with a measure of satisfaction. 

Today, Anwar is a businessman with a B.Com Law degree. However, sportsmanship is not only generational in his family, but trade and entrepreneurship are, as he learnt the intricacies of the clothing industry.

Meanwhile, the history of Pops Moolla is legendary.

Having been a member alongside his colleagues of the South African Table Tennis Board, with non-discriminatory rules and affiliated to the International Table Tennis Federation, they were invited to the World Table Tennis Championship in Sweden in 1957.

Approval from the apartheid government for Moolla and his team to travel to Sweden was starkly impossible. But the fervent desire to represent South Africa abroad was abiding. The group planned to exit the country individually; it was a way to evade the roving eyes of the authorities. They consisted of six men, namely, Cassim Peer [Captain], Ashwin Valjee, M.G.H. ‘Pops’ Moolla, P.R. ‘‘Bandy’’ Mandan [ all from Natal Durban] and D. Groenwald from Wynberg [Western Cape]. The manager of the team was Cassim Bassa, who was also President of the South African Table Tennis Board. 

The team, the Ping Pong boys as they were known, arrived in Stockholm, Sweden. They played their matches at the Kunlighallen Royal Tennis Hall from 7th March to 15th March 1957. They were in group two, which had contestants such as Japan, Vietnam, Sweden, Poland, Iran, France, Finland and Canada. 

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Reportedly, the team lost all their matches 5-0. In some way, a culture shock, they admitted that the plank bats they knew and used contrasted with the use of rubber bats as they observed at the games, did them in. They would later learn that the table tennis ball is more flexible than the rubber bat, giving opponents an edge over them at the Table of Play. However, they would later pioneer the use of rubber bats back home in South Africa. 

One of the highlights of their matches was against Japan. The Japanese clinched all aspects of the contest- Men’s Singles, Women’s Single’s and Mixed Doubles.

With the political strife back home in South Africa, the team was relieved they were in Sweden for sportsmanship. 

In the same year of 1957, the South African or Ping Pong boys returned through the Mailship in Cape Town. Immediately, the apartheid regime, bruised by the team’s seemingly unsanctioned exit from the country, confiscated their passports. As such, they could not; Moolla and his colleagues could not compete overseas again.

Pops Moolla is till this day fondly remembered in the South African sporting circles as someone who not only excelled but also for his uprightness in all he did. For Moolla, sport was not just a game – it was a quiet revolution.

The post Remembering Pops Moolla of the ‘Ping Pong Boys’ who defied Apartheid appeared first on Al-Qalam.

Fresh off their international debut at the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup, the young footballers of Orient Islamic School (OIS) returned to Durban in high spirits, having done “very well”. 

From February 12 – 18, the players competed against teams from across the globe. They showcased remarkable resilience throughout this journey, earning the admiration of their coaches, management and supporters.

The team manager, Zain Kara, spoke highly of the players’ performance. He told Al-Qalam that many lessons were learned from exposure to a new environment. “What was most impressive is that when we got there on the first day of the tournament, we saw the level of football amongst the other academies, and we took a few hits, in terms of the score lines, but Alhamdulillah, by the second day, the boys really grew. Their heart and their grit showed and it showed the kind of footballers that they really are when they brought their A-game and destroyed the other teams,” he said.

Despite initial setbacks, the team adapted swiftly to the unfamiliar 9-a-side format and delivered strong performances. “Alhamdulillah, they did very well to achieve such success on their first international trip playing a format of football that they are not used to,” Kara said proudly.

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The learners had the opportunity to compete with teams from 22 different countries, an experience that seems to have left a lasting impression. Head of Sports Abdul Hyder emphasised the significance of the trip for the school and the broader community. “Seeing teams from around the world, playing at a high level, gives us an idea that we can compete with the best teams from around the world, and I think the team held themselves very well. It shows them that if you put in the effort and work, there is no limit to the opportunities and exposures that you can reach,” Hyder said.

Coach Damian Ho Chong reflected on the challenges the team faced. He highlighted that despite the pressures of an international stage, the team kept their composure. “The most challenges we faced, especially on the field, where we needed to be more disciplined in the sense of attacking and defending and also disciplined to not lose our head and be positive all the time,” he said.

For the players, the experience was nothing short of life-changing. From the thrill of international competition to the unwavering support back home, it was an experience that reshaped their perspective on the game—and on themselves. Reflecting on the tournament, Zayd Docrat told Al-Qalam that they were overwhelmed with both excitement and nervousness. “We did not know what to expect. We got great exposure to how different teams play around the world and the level that teams compete at,” he said.

Muaaz Ebrahim spoke about the team’s growth, emphasising that this experience brought them closer together, especially during trying times.

Another player, Muaaz Asmal, echoed this sentiment, shedding light on the difficulties they encountered. “It was new for us because we had never played a nine-a-side format before. So there were new challenges for us, and as well as the teams from other countries, they have a different style of play to those in Durban,” he said.

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Beyond the competition, the support from the school and community was overwhelming. Iman, the marketing representative for the school, recalled a memorable moment when the team met the Grade RR learners before their tournament. “It was a real fan moment where the little learners were absolutely ecstatic and even asked for their autographs,” she said.

However, the support was not left behind in Durban. Thousands of miles from home, former Orient learners and staff now based in the UAE came out in full force. Tasneem Mahomed Arbee and her husband, Mohamed Yaseen Arbee, mobilised a large group of fans to cheer for the team. “Some travelled for 2.5 hours to support OIS. From elderly to kids with hand-drawn posters, it was incredibly touching,” Iman said.

This journey was made possible with the guidance of Mr Imtiaaz Saib, executive head of OIS, Senior Management, Board members, parents and generous sponsors – who helped turn this dream into a reality.

But this is just the beginning. The team is already preparing for next year’s tournament, which will take place after Ramadan. “Definitely, Insha’Allah, next year, the tournament will be over three days, and we will be preparing and going there next year,” Coach Ho Chong confirmed.

What started as an unknown adventure has turned into a defining moment. The experience in Abu Dhabi has left this team of young footballers more confident, determined and ready for future challenges. 

The post Kicking it in Abu Dhabi – Durban pupils shine at International Soccer Tournament appeared first on Al-Qalam.

The soccer team from Orient Islamic School (OIS) is preparing for a defining moment in their sporting journey as they head to Abu Dhabi to compete in the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup.

With over 160 teams from around the world, including 41 international teams, this tournament presents an opportunity for the team to test their skills on a global stage. The team will be touring from February 12 to 18, with the tournament matches scheduled for February 15 and 16, 2025. A total of 573 matches will be played over the weekend, making it a highly competitive and exciting event.

For the players and coaching staff, this tournament is more than just a competition—it represents years of dedication, effort, and teamwork. Coach D. Ho Chong told Al-Qalam that this opportunity feels like a dream come true: “It is a huge honour for our team. We have worked so hard to get here, and being selected to represent OIS on an international stage is a dream come true. We are eager to showcase our skills and make our school proud.”

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Under the guidance of Coach D. Ho Chong and Team Manager Zain Kara, the team has been training daily, focusing on refining their teamwork, strategy, and fitness levels. They are not only preparing for the matches but also familiarising themselves with the culture and sports environment in Abu Dhabi to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

Despite their determination, the road to this opportunity has not been without its hurdles. Balancing academic responsibilities with rigorous soccer training proved to be a significant challenge. However, the players credit their success to the unwavering support from their coaches and teachers.

As they approach the tournament, the OIS soccer team is clear about their goals. “Our primary goal is to perform our best and represent OIS with pride. We are aiming to bring home a trophy, but we also want to enjoy the experience, learn from other teams, and create lasting memories,” said Coach Ho Chong.

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Coach Hyder highlighted that support from the OIS community has played a crucial role in their journey. “The support from OIS and our community is incredible. It motivates us to push harder and strive for excellence, knowing that we have so many people cheering us on. It gives us a sense of responsibility to do our best,” he added. 

This trip to Abu Dhabi is about more than just the competition. It represents an opportunity to inspire future generations of OIS students to pursue sports and aim high. “We hope it will motivate others to dream big and know that they, too, can compete on an international level,” said Coach Hyder. 

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In an inspiring fusion of sport and activism, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation recently hosted a youth dialogue event that brought together the Burj Al-Luqluq Soccer Team from Jerusalem and youth from Langa, Khayelitsha, and Hout Bay.

The event, hosted in collaboration with the Sports Stepping Stones (SSS) Foundation and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), focused on connecting the struggles of Palestine and South Africa through the profound legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the enduring power of solidarity in the global fight for freedom. 

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Highlighting the essence of unity, the event was steeped in the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu as participants explored the parallels between the decades-long struggle of the Palestinian people and South Africa’s own fight against apartheid

The Tutu Center said that this program was an incredible exchange of culture through dialogue, singing, dancing, football and food. “It was an honour to build this meaningful connection and we look forward to nurturing it in the years to come.”

Tasneem Cassiem Khan, the co-CEO of the SSS Foundation, said that although the organisation focuses on uplifting youth through sport, an important part of their work is connecting the lived realities of these youth in fostering empathy and understanding through dialogue. “The dialogues and storytelling aspect of the tours are the most important part, hence only one game is played giving more time for collaboration,” she stated.

This is the third Palestinian soccer team the SSS Foundation has brought to South Africa since the current Genocide started in October 2023. Cassiem explained, “As our name suggests, sports has been one of the main focuses of our organisation, and one of our main objectives is to facilitate the training of sports coaches to deliver services to schools.” In addition to this, the organisation facilitates various activities with a commitment to social change through sport.

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Professor Usuf Chikte of the PSC explained that in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, memory plays a crucial role in preserving the history and experiences of the Palestinian people, countering dominant Israeli narratives and inspiring resistance against occupation and oppression. “This event was an educational experience of dialogue, drawing from memories of struggle both in Palestine and South Africa by reasserting narratives through shared experiences of everyday life which counter mainstream propaganda of who we are, where we come from and where we are heading as a society and our agency in constructing stories identities, histories and contributions,” he said.

Prof Chikte emphasised that the anti-settler colonial struggles currently taking place in Palestine resonate not only with our past struggles against colonialism, slavery, segregation and apartheid since 1994 but also remind us about the unresolved legacies we face in South Africa, where oppression, inequality and exploitation are still rife. He stated, “Although apartheid legislation has been abolished in South Africa, its legacy is still deeply rooted in our untransformed society which is reflected in the unequal distribution of access to education, healthcare and jobs for instance.”

He stated that in addition to commitments to active protests and boycotting, programs like these bridge divides in the struggle for liberation. “We brought people together across different continents, climates, cuisines, customs, age groups, gender and languages, particularly from Cape Town and its environs and that of Jerusalem to connect and unite in the cause of liberation through our common humanity.” 

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