Exciting winger from 7’s football

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No matter what the associations running football say about the 7’s version of the game they cannot deny the truth — that there is enormous talent in the shorter format of the game.

A perfect example is Usman Ashik, the 19-year-old wily left-winger of Chirag United Kerala who was hand-picked from the 7’s cauldron in Malappuram and has since then turned into an exciting prospect for the club in the I-League.

It was five months ago that Ashik was spotted by Chirag’s assistant coach Bino George, while playing for a Kottakal-based club in a 7’s tournament.

The lean footballer with a strong left foot made a quick impression on Bino and he wasted no time in striking a deal.

After a few notable second half appearances off the bench, Usman came up to his billing when he shrugged off the Salgaocar defence to provide a crucial pass to P. K. Anil Kumar, resulting in a late equaliser for his side.

Chief coach Nizam Packeer Ali realising it was time the boy was rewarded for his hardwork, included him in the starting XI in the Prayag game, which at that point was a gamble.

However, the boy from Ottapalam raised a few eyebrows when he ran inside from the wing, putting himself in a promising position, shrugging off a tackle from Bello Rasaq, one of the best foreign defenders in India, before chipping the ball, only to be denied by the woodwork.

Usman says that Ottapalam Asif has inspired him the most. “He is a 7’s player and was my senior. He played a great role in mentoring the footballer in me,” Hailing from a family of six, Usman is the oldest of the four children of Khader and Aysha. He does miss the loud roaring cheer of 7’s football supporters, but he does not regret his switch-over to the 11’s and wants to play, not for money or recognition, but for the passion of the game.

“I’m fortunate to be here, it is all the Almighty’s grace. In football you never know how many years you might play, but it is a challenge to make every moment count and make the most of every opportunity you are given to play on the pitch,” said Usman who is a huge fan of Lionel Messi.