Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
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.”
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.
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.
