Football All Day, Every Day
Jabradar Mohammad, Kenya
KLABU is a social startup that uses the power of sport and community to support refugees who are rebuilding their lives. Based in Amsterdam, the organisation works closely with refugee and host communities around the world, including in Kalobeyei (Kenya), Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh), Lesvos (Greece) and Ter Apel (Netherlands) to build their own sports 'clubhouses' that are hubs for play, entrepreneurship, good health and education. Partners and supporters include UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency and the French football club Paris Saint-Germain. Jabradar Mohammad is originally from Sudan.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?
My name is Jabradar Mohammad. I am 23 years old and I am in high school. I attended Bright Star Integrated Secondary School and my favourite subjects were History, English, Biology and Computer Sciences.
I am Sudanese. I love being happy all the time and I prefer seeing each and everyone around me happy too. My life is all about football because I love football.
I began playing football when I was 10 years old with my big brother in Sudan. His name is Mukwar Jagod and he is 27 years old. We are always together. He mostly loves me as a young brother and I love him as my big brother.
I play on the wing and my shirt number is 7. I also support Chelsea and my favourite player is Mason Mount. I really love the way he plays and the way he runs with the ball, and the way he scores his goals too.
I left my country because of war and conflict, which led to the displacement of very many people. I was among those people who were displaced and I found myself in Kenya.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
The boy wearing the blue uniform is Arais Adam. He was about to take a penalty. It was the decisive penalty kick and that is why many fans were so excited to see it. It was the winning goal and everyone ran on to the pitch in celebration. It was a 7v7 match between Young Etihad FC and CS Greenland FC.
Arais is one of the most talented and skilled young players, and he is from Sudan. I love watching him whenever he is playing in a match.
Some photos were taken on the KLABU training pitch, and others were taken at the practice sessions. My favourite photo is from when the girls were playing. I was trying to show that not only boys can play football but also girls can and they have spirit for football.
Why is football important to you and your community?
Football is my hobby. I love playing it because I enjoy physical exercise and I cannot stand even one day without touching a ball. It is important to my community as football is a game that unites people from different societies, communities, and countries. It is the best means of interaction between youth in communities.
What role does football and KLABU play in your life at the moment?
KLABU plays a very big role in my life because they provide a space to play football whenever I go there. It was difficult during those years before KLABU came, because there were few resources to play. I was about to stop playing football but now I am back and am enjoying playing again. It is thanks to KLABU that I am still playing football.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
My ambition for the future is that I want to play in a very big and good team and also see KLABU work in my home country.
