The U10As rounded off their season emphatically with a double-header win over Chalfont Park Swans and Kites.
The nine-strong squad – keen to avenge a heavy loss two weeks prior – started strongly against the Kites in the first of two gruelling affairs.
Danyaal Panju and Aliabbas Dharas were not only imperious at the back, but carried the ball forward brilliantly to distribute to the forward line.
It led to a tidy finish from Ehsaan Dhanji to give SJFC the advantage early on, before Ali Husayn Walji completed the 3-1 victory with a sumptuous volley and a rocket into the roof of the net.
But it was the second game where this side showed their elite mentality.
A hardworking rearguard action kept their opponents at bay right until the end, despite endless waves of attacks.
But the players were not happy with a draw, despite the clean sheet. After winning the ball for the umpteenth time, a long through ball put Noah Hussein through one-on-one.
He held off the defender with all his might and dug his foot under the ball over the advancing keeper. The crowd held its collective breath as the manager raised his eyebrow, Ancelotti style.
And then he scored. The substitutes flooded the pitch, knowing what a crucial three points this was – not only for the league table, but for the mentality of this team going forward.
It summed up a wonderful season for the As which – despite a couple of blips – was peppered with wins and draws.
Particular highlights include a hard-fought 2-1 away at Westwood Lions and another 4-2 victory over the Kites. In a tough league, this team really held their own.
It was also enjoyable taking on the SJFC U10Bs, who were in the same division.
Both individually and as a side, they really developed throughout the campaign – with many making the jump up to the As and not looking out of place in the slightest. Managed brilliantly by Altaf Daya, the difference watching the side between the start and end of the season was striking – and very encouraging.
The gaffer said: “The SJFA U10 B team was designed to develop the players that do not usually get game time in order to align to the wider SJ philosophy of giving everyone an opportunity. This idea has worked wonders in developing all the players that participated. Every one of them has increased in their ball skills, awareness on the pitch and has dug in to remain tenacious throughout the match. It was often a feature of the team to score late on, a testament to their determination.
“Over the season, there was a number of players that moved up to the A team after showing their skill and ability over the games. The enthusiasm and support from the parents was amazing throughout the season, turning up every week and remaining positive throughout often in the face of very strong opposition. The patience of the parents and the players in light of games being rained off, and also opposition teams turning up an hour late (through a miscommunication on their part) is truly appreciated.
“As we head into next season, where the team expands to 9 a side, it leaves us coaches with a positive future ahead.”
Splitting into two sides this year was about giving everyone the maximum time possible on the football pitch and letting them enjoy playing the beautiful game without pressure, which is a primary ethos of our football club.
Next season, the two squads will merge into one as we move to a nine-a-side format. Exciting times lie ahead for this cohort.
My thanks to the entire coaching team for their support throughout the season.
Kumail Jaffer
U10A Manager
