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Yousuf Mohammad has gone through a remarkable journey from his days playing for Somalia’s national team to coaching boys and girls at south Belfast’s Rosario FC, overcoming violence, extortion, and a strong will to survive in the process. The desire for a life free from the horrors of suicide bombings, random killings, and the dangerous environment for football brought him to seek asylum in the UK, where he has since built a new life in Northern Ireland. Reflecting on his journey, Yousuf expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his coaching career, something that would have been impossible in his home country of Somalia.
The situation in Somalia, particularly in Yousuf’s hometown of Kismayo, was becoming increasingly dangerous due to the infiltration of the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab. Yousuf vividly remembers the constant threat of violence, including suicide bombings, and the targeting of football as a symbol of Western culture by extremist groups. This led him to make the difficult decision to leave his homeland in 2013 in search of a safer and better life, away from the destruction and chaos that surrounded him.
Yousuf’s journey across Ethiopia, Sudan, and Libya before finally arriving in Italy on a precarious dinghy was arduous and perilous. He faced life-threatening challenges, including enduring extreme conditions in the desert, witnessing the deaths of friends, and surviving the treacherous journey at the mercy of smugglers. Despite the hardships and sacrifices along the way, Yousuf eventually found asylum in the UK, where he has been able to rebuild his life and pursue his passion for coaching in Northern Ireland.
Having found a sense of belonging and purpose at Rosario FC in Belfast, Yousuf now dedicates his time to coaching young players, where he is highly respected by his colleagues and players. His commitment, dedication, and unique coaching style have been instrumental in pushing the players to excel and grow. Yousuf’s journey from a professional footballer in Somalia to a valued volunteer coach in Northern Ireland exemplifies his resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity
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