In the past two weeks a young Eritrean-Swede Alexander Isak and a protege
of the legendary young star Henok Goitom another Eritrean-Swede who plays
for the ERITREAN national team has seen his name make headlines everywhere.
Alexander has already made history in Sweden becoming the youngest
professional soccer player of all time to score a goal in a competitive
match. His age was recorded at 16 years, 5 months and 7 days (6004 days)
when he scored his first goal for AIK. The previous record was also
recorded by another Swedish Alexander Ostlund who was 16 years, 11 months
and 26 days (6204 days) in October 1995.
It was reported by Eri-International sports that Alexander may be headed to
the English Premier League as two team current champions Leicester City and
Southampton were looking to grab him indicating that this young man has a
bright future in professional soccer. Meanwhile another report which did
not circulate is that Anderlecht of Belgium was also heavily interested in
acquiring Alexander and were in the running until today.
AIK puts a stamp on Alexander.
According to the AIK website and people close to Alexander the thought of
him going to England or Belgium have been put to rest as he will continue
the legacy of Henok Goitom at AIK. Alexander Isaac began playing for AIK as
a 5 year old and has gone all the way from the youth program through the
youth team to the first team. He was raised in AIK's Youth Academy where an
Eritrean coach Nahom Ghidey who is doing wonders for AIK also happens to be
a part of this growing process for the Swedish team based in Solna, just
outside of Stockholm.
When asked Who his role models were, Alex said, "I look up to Ibrahimovic,
and Henok Goitom, of course." The Eritrean connection is deep as their
fathers also know each other well. Henok has repeatedly praised the
16-year-old on social media, and has even shared advice on the training
pitch. They are similar in their style of play. Alexander added, "Many
people compare us. I have a hard job ahead of me, before I become really
good, and to already get praise from Henok is big deal. I learned a lot
from him. We are compatriots and support each other."
Eritrean Coach for AIK Nahom Ghidey doing WONDERS for AIK's youth Academy.
Thanks to the contribution Alexander has also decided to give back to the
club that raised him as he remains loyal to AIK. Here is what the website
for AIK has confirmed,
"AIK Soccer agree with striker Alexander Isaac on a contract that extends
over 2018. Isaac officially moved up to the first-team squad and will
continue to play in the number 36 jersey."
Most of you have seen the video of Alexander before a game bonding with his
fans at AIK and it is clear that the young man has a love affair with his
home town team. Like Henok Goitom did before him and like the many
thousands of Eritrean-Swedes who have been great citizens of their adopted
country. Sweden benefits from Eritreans and it must be recalled that
despite all the obstacles that Eritreans and other immigrants face, Sweden
should embrace the ERITREAN community like AIK has embraced Alexander Isak
and Henok Goitom.
Alexander Isak youngest all time goal scorer in Swedish league history.
Eri-International sports will continue to dig some important information on
the role of Eritreans in the diaspora especially Sweden in the very near
future. Meanwhile Congratulations to Alexander Isak for being one of the
youngest Soccer players to sign a professional contract at the age of 16.
For Eri-International sports,
Mike Seium
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Posted By Blogger to Eri-International Sports at 5/03/2016 08:37:00 AM
Received on Tue May 03 2016 - 11:37:03 EDT