Thomastown’s Ismael Mohamed is living the dream having received a second call up to the Somali national soccer team.
After receiving his first call up earlier this year, the Werribee City star was called up to be part of the Somali team for two FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Mohamed, who flew out last week, said it had been a crazy time getting his opportunity to represent Somali.
“It was unexpected the first time,” he said. “I was overwhelmed and I was shocked.
“I didn’t think they would call me up again, but I was happy they did.
“I was stunned. I’m a father of three, a normal person, quietly going about my business.”
Mohamed has spent his life in Australia but his father is from Somalia giving him the connection.
Mohamed has been to Somalia, back in 2016.
Mohamed said officials had started looking at other countries for players to strengthen their squad and with the National and Victorian premier leagues filmed and broadcast, Australia was on the radar.
“There was another guy picked from Australia and he is doing really well and put Australia on the map,” he said.
“They’ve started to keep an eye on Australia. They wanted to strengthen the team with some more quality.”
The Thomastown resident said playing soccer on the international stage was different from playing in Australia.
He said there were plenty of challenges like jet lag, travel and sickness, He started in two games previously.
“It was tough,” he said. “It was a different game speed and they are a lot stronger. We’re playing against the best players from their countries.
“They were a lot more physical and quick. The coach started me in both games.”
Mohamed said the opportunity to help Somalia qualify for the first time was massive. He said they wanted the whole country to get behind them and he wanted to help the country do well.
Back at Werribee, Mohamed said he was enjoying his first season at the club. He has previously played at Banyule City and Williamstown.
“They have been very welcoming,” he said. “They’ve been really good with the way they have run things.
“The way they treat me has been really good. We’ve had the new coaching staff come in and it has been really good.
“It’s been a good appointment as coach.”
Tara Murray
