The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Osmania’s African students showcase soccer skills

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Osmania’s African students showcase soccer skills

V V Subrahmanyam

Tanzanian team beats Somalia 2-0

- PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

Attacking move: African players from Tanzania and Somalia fighting it out at a foodball match in Hyderabad.

HYDERABAD: It was sheer magic! Well, when the foreign students of Osmania University, mostly Africans, joined hands to take part in the Ramadan floodlit football tournament at Sports Coaching Foundation (Masab Tank), it was a stunning revelation of their artistry with their feet. By their sheer class and athleticism, they would have made even the State-level footballers think twice as to where they stand in terms of natural skills.

No doubt, football might come naturally for these Africans but to reveal their potential in an event with little practice because of their studies in the city was something unbelievable. The ground was hard, slippery – often resulting in dangerous falls. But the fact that none of them were lying down for too long in agony and were quickly on their feet spoke of their unbridled enthusiasm and passion for the sport which they seem to love so much.

“This is perfect ambience and we enjoyed it,” says Hassa-Yusuf of Somalia. Koshan of Afghanistan reminds that they were not really privileged to play in such conditions back home across the country. Not surprisingly, the big names – Ballack, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho – were there too, on the jerseys of these African students, apparently keen to re-create the aura of those greats. Mostly aged about 20, they left an unmistakable impression on the few passers-by who turned up to watch the match between Tanzania and Somalia which the former won 2-0. When Castro scored of one of those splendid runs down the flank, the celebrations in the Tanzanian camp resembled the triumph of a big club team. It was obvious that they were playing not just for fun but with the intense desire to win the contest. The joy reached new high when Khalid netted another to seal the fate of Somalians.

Interestingly, the spirit of the 57-year-old referee Venkatesh of Ammuguda, one of the traditional soccer belts of Secunderabad Cantonment area, matched the intensity of the youngsters on the field. This former State player could easily enjoy his stint out there and was delighted to be involved in such a unique event.

Abdiwali Mohammed, president of Foreign Students Association of Hyderabad, which organised the event, reminds that these students will go distances to play this sport.

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