Help turn my dream into my career

My name is Mogamat Thakier Salie. I am 18 years old, the eldest of four siblings, born in Cape Town, South Africa. Since the age of five, I have dreamt of becoming a professional football player.

Fondest football memories

At the age of 7, my uncle invited me to train with his U13 team he was coaching. He quickly recognised that I didn’t just want to train or watch from the side. He believed in my passion and gave me regular opportunities to play in the league and knock out matches against boys twice my size. Even though the kit was over-sized (see image attached), and I was the tiniest on the field, he was one of my many coaches who believed in my abilities, so much so, he took a real leap of faith to select me to play in the knock-out finals.

Then in 2010, I experienced my first big football achievement for my former junior club Wynberg St. Johns. The club annually hosts its’ U9 tournament, and at the time had only won the inaugural tournament 19 years before. The club was desperate to win this prestigious tournament again. In this world cup year, I contributed with scoring the only goal in the finals, achieved a hat-trick and most assists, and I was honoured to receive the player of the tournament award.

These events (among others) and the many school and club football accolades I have been blessed to receive throughout my journey have continually fueled my dream. I am grateful for and appreciate the unconditional support of both my parents (who have attended most games in all weather conditions), my siblings, my family, coaches, and team mates who encouraged me, and who were not afraid to share negative and positive feedback to build my future in this beautiful sport.

My dream

This is my final year of school and I achieved two goals. The first being my Blues (Western Province equivalent) recognition at school and the second being selected to represent my province in a school regional tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa. In Grade 12, everyone constantly asks you the infamous question, “What you will pursue after school or what you will be studying?” Anyone in my family or who knows me well, will vet to my aged 5 response … I wish to become a professional footballer. I am sure I must have tired all my English teachers throughout my schooling career with the same creative writing topic, soccer.

At the end of November, the start of this dream becoming a reality unfolded. I have been invited to join DubaiCity FC https://www.dubaicityfc.com/ for three months from 1 January till 31 March 2020, with an opportunity to play for the first team in the second division league, which commenced in December. It still shakes me knowing that they have an interest in me (see invitation attached). This opportunity will allow me to live and train within a structured football environment, being exposed to and in the presence of world class footballers, teams and coaches. In addition, they will provide food, kit, safe accommodation, and allow me to assist with the day-to-day administrative duties of the club.

This invaluable opportunity for me costs about AED 7 500 per month, an expense my family have unfortunately not prepared for on such short notice. This costing excludes flights.

I am therefore humbly requesting your kind-hearted support by contributing to my campaign of raising funds to accommodate my three-month stay in Dubai. Since this is a trial, all expenses are for my own cost.

Your support will enable me to pursue my dream career by playing for a professional football club. Thank you for reading and allowing me to share my story, and for contributing to my journey. Please know, that I will work very hard to make my family and supporters proud.

You may simply click on "Donate Now" (and follow easy & safe steps) or Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) payments:

Name of Bank: Capitec

Accountholder: Mogamat Salie Soccer Dream

Type of account: Savings

Account Number :1578868317

Branch code: 470010

God Bless

Mogamat Thakier Salie

Aspiring footballer