Primrose soccer player aspires for big league

Eighteen-year-old Riyaad Mohammed has big dreams of one day becoming a soccer star.

The Primrose resident has been a member of the Bedfordview Country Club Football team for eight years and aspires to become a professional soccer star.

Riyaad, who plays as a centre midfielder, credits BCC for shaping his skills and providing an environment that keeps him coming back year after year.

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“The coaches and the facilities are top-notch. BCC has some of the best facilities in the Eastern Football Association, and the consistency and motivation from the coaches keep me going,” said the young player.

His journey to becoming a central midfielder was not predetermined.

“The coaches try you out in every position to see what suits you best, and then we come to a mutual agreement,” he explained.

He said through playing soccer he has learned some life valuable skills.

“I have learned to never give up, to stay consistent, and to always be confident because confidence is key.”

Despite being in his matric year at Primrose High School, he has managed to balance his academics with his football commitments.

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“After school, I get home at three, eat, do my homework for about an hour, and then head to training at BCC,” he shared.

While many play the sport for fitness or socialising, Riyaad is driven by deeper aspirations.

“Football runs in my family, but no one has ever made it professionally. I want to be the first. I also want to retire my mother. That inspires me to keep going.”

He wishes to play for Orlando Pirates but if the opportunity to play overseas presents itself he would like to play for Real Madrid.

Preparing for matches requires both physical and mental discipline.

“The coaches give us a diet plan and tell us what time we should sleep. I also drink a lot of water and eat two hours before the game,” said Riyaad.

During his time with BCC, he plays in the senior team for two years.

“The coaches pushed me to play in the senior open team when I was 16. In my first year, I even captained the team,” he recalls.

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His goal for 2025 is clear, “I hope not to see myself at BCC next year. I want to develop myself further and play in a higher league.”

To ensure he reaches these heights, Riyaad is taking extra steps, including individual training sessions.

“We train on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and sometimes Wednesdays, but on Mondays, I hit the gym and then train on the field for an hour.

“Prayer is the most important thing. My faith keeps me going,” he shared.