Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
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.
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.
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.
