Durban’s Uwais Saeed is living his dream as a professional footballer in Portugal

Meet Uwais Saeed, a 19-year-old football prodigy whose journey from the KZN Academy to the professional football scene in Portugal is nothing short of inspiring. Excelling as a striker and earning multiple player of the year awards, Saeed’s dream of becoming a professional footballer has become a reality with his recent signing for Portuguese side UFC Moitense’s U19 team, writes FEROZ SHAIK.

After excelling as a striker at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Academy, where he won several player of the year awards, 19-year-old Uwais Saeed finally got his chance to realize his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

‘I was doing really well during my time in KZN Academy, winning multiple player of the year awards, being the top goal scorer for quite some time and earning a call up to the National under-17 team, before going overseas with the KZN Academy who take their best players abroad… and yeah the rest is history,’ said Saeed.

Saeed who lived in North Beach, Durban and attended Orient Islamic School, always wanted to be a professional footballer and says he is lucky to be able to do what he loves after signing for Portuguese side UFC Moitense’s under-19 team that plays in the regional second division league while its first team plays in the national fifth division.

‘Yes, it was always my dream to play professional football and yes, I’m really enjoying it here. I’m really lucky to be able to do what I love. However, this was only possible with the support of my parents, who allowed me to pursue my dream when this opportunity came along,’ he added.

His desire to play professional football, however, started at a very you age.

‘My love for football started at a young age when I use to accompany my brothers to their training sessions. I then played for Orient before joining KZN Academy at the age of 11,’ he said.

While living his dream, Saeed is still studying as well. His daily routine includes two training sessions a day (one in the gym and one on the field), video analysis sessions and in between all of that, he is studying towards a qualification in sports science.

One of the best things he loves about Portugal is being safe.

‘Just being safe, where I don’t have to worry about crime, is something I really enjoy here,’ he added.

Saeed is an inspiration to all the young Muslims wanting to pursue their dreams. When asked about what advice he would give any youngster wanting to follow their dream, he said: ‘I would say to them that chase your dreams. Believe in yourself and never give up. Keep working hard and don’t listen to the people that say it’s impossible and not realistic because I’m here to show you guys that it is possible with belief, determination and hard work.’