Jorge Abukhalil, an Executive of the Tradewind Tankers, the co-sponsor of the GuyOil Under-18 School Football League, has given a charge to aspiring footballers who want to make it to the professional circuit.
“I see everyone wearing [Lionel] Messi shirts, [Cristiano] Ronaldo shirts and when I was younger they used to wear [Diego] Maradona or Pele. We always dream to be just like them and after getting old I can say that is a mistake. Because to be a player like them, you need to born like them and those guys are out of this planet so my advice to you is give your best, give your life and I am sure you will be a part of any team.”
Abukhalil was at the time speaking to students from the participating schools of the Under-18 school league, which is staged at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
“Soccer is about winning every day, it is about going to practice, about winning tough life. I really hope you can make it to a professional football team. If you like this and you have the spirit, I am sure you can make it.”
Abukhalil played football at the University of Chile, professional club Palestino FC and Orlando City in the American Major League Soccer.
He added, “Don’t ever remember this is a game. If you want to play with your heart, do it, if you are going to give your life in this, do it but don’t do it for the wrong reasons. Don’t do it because you will be rich or you will be making money for that is the wrong reason. If you do your best, I can assure you will make money but it shouldn’t be the goal.”
“Being a good football player is not about doing tricks with the ball, it’s about learning how to play. Some people may be good in kicking the ball, but they don’t know how to play about the team and the spirt and giving your best every day.”
Ashmin John, Marketing Executive at the Guyana Oil Company, explained the rationale behind the overwhelming support for the league was due to it being a way to develop the lives of the footballers both on the field and in the institution since the top teams will have projects of their choice funded.
The league is midway in its proceedings with participating schools being Annandale Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary Wismar/Christianburg Secondary, The Bishop’s High, Lodge, St Rose’s High, Dolphin Secondary, Queenstown Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Queen’s College and Marian Academy.
