Meridian’s Alfieyan goes from bench warmer to match winner in the B Division boys’ football final

On By Vaseline

SINGAPORE – For the past two years, Meridian Secondary School forward Muhammad Alfieyan Jumahat has struggled to get playing time with his school’s football team.

But he continued to work hard during training and closely followed coach Fabio da Silva’s advice. His perseverance and dedication ultimately paid off as da Silva made him a regular starter this season.

On 7 May, he repaid the coach’s faith in him by scoring against Victoria School to give Meridian a 1–0 win in the B Division boys final at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Alfieyan’s goal rose highest, heading home Qylfie Ryan Fazlie’s free-kick in the 11th minute. Alfieyan’s goal sparked celebration among their classmates and was ultimately enough for Meridian to win their first B Division title.

The 16-year-old also finished as the team’s top scorer, netting seven of the 18 goals in eight games.

Alfieyan said: “I have improved a lot since I was in second grade, when I was just a bench warmer. Now I’m in the starting line-up and I’m the team’s top scorer.

“I’m proud of myself, it’s a big achievement. I felt happy that my goal would also be the winning goal for the team.”

Da Silva credited Alfieyan for stepping up to the plate. He said: “Some players need a few years to adapt well to this level and he is one of them. He took up the challenge and worked very hard to be who he is today.

“As a coach I am proud of that. He follows my instructions well, can defend and attack very well and had a good tournament.”

Meridian started more aggressively and were not afraid to challenge Victoria’s players, who had no answer to their opponents’ defensive solidarity and struggled to create chances after conceding early.

Da Silva said the team focused all week on nullifying Victoria’s biggest threats – counter-attacks, long balls and set-pieces.

He added: “We scored the first goal and knew they would bring players forward, so I appreciate the boys for their communication as everyone worked together.”