APL

Mohammad EmranWalizada, the newest member of ShaheenAsmayee, has come a long way pursuing his passion for football. Emran is only 18 years of age and is representing Kabul in the Roshan Afghan Premier League (RAPL). He currently plays for Afghanistan’s U-19 football team and dreams of one day representing Afghanistan in one of Football’s biggest stages, the World Cup.

Emran's earliest childhood memories consist of hiding in his basement with his family during Mujahidin bombings in Kabul.  Now, he envisions playing for Afghanistan’s national football team and becoming one of the RAPL’s brightest stars.

Emranis blessed with a large family. He lives with his parents, five brothers, and one sister. He started playing football when he was 10 years old with his siblings and neighborhood kids on a dusty field in front their housein KarteParwan of Kabul. "I started playing football as a hobby and it soon became evident for me that this was my one true passion in life." Emran said.

Despite his young age, Emran has been able to accomplish a lot. He instantly became the coaches’ favorite when he played for Afghanistan’s U-16 football team tryouts in Kabul and shortly after joining the team became the captain.

He has travelled to India and Jordan to play in international friendly matches. "My biggest dream is to represent Afghanistan and make my countrymen proud by playing for Afghanistan National Football Team at international grounds."

He is a fresh graduate out of high school and plans to continue his education as a university student. At the same time, he is determined to train hard and continue his career as a professional football player.  He has already passed the D license test for football coaching and aims to continue his football career as a coach and trainer once he retires from playing football.

ShaheenAsmayee is the defending champion of RAPL and its tryouts are challenging and rigorous even for experienced players to make the final cut and join the team. "I already knew it was going to be challenging to compete against all the players who want to join Shaheen.  I started training hard months before the tryouts and was confident that I would hear my name in the list of players who had made the team".

As Emran commented, RAPL is now the main ground for football players from across the country to get the attention and support they need to join the national team to continue their career as professional football players. "That is the main reason that football players such as myself increase our training sessions' length and techniques to prepare ourselves to meet the challenge and get selected in one of the eight RAPL teams."

Emranhopes to be a good role-model for young people across Afghanistan to focus on their education, physical health, and future. "I am aware of my responsibility as the spotlight is on me as an RAPL player and I will do my best not to disappoint anyone."

The 2015 RAPL Main Event is set to kick off on August 27 to bring excitement and joy for millions of Afghans across the country.