Aly: Football Coach & Clubhouse Manager
For many of us, football is a universal language, crossing every language and border. For Aly, football means even more: it represents family.
The person who introduced him to the sport was his primary school teacher. Aly and his friends looked up to him, more than they looked up to icons like Messi or Ronaldo. With the teacher as a coach and with the team, which ended up winning the district championship, Aly feels at ease. They are there for each other, no matter what.
PHOTOS BY COCO OLAKUNLE
"When there is a team, there’s a connection between you, there’s sacrifice. When people see that you make room for everyone, there's respect."
After spending years on the court, the natural progression for Aly was to become a coach.
It was a role that felt like a continuation of everything he had learned and loved about the game. Coaching gave him the opportunity to help others grow just as he had. He now organizes weekly training sessions where he not only focuses on skill development but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, mutual support, and working together toward a shared goal. This same mindset carries over into his work with the KLABU M’bera team, encouraging play and respect for all.
PHOTOS BY COCO OLAKUNLE
"Even in the most remote corner of this planet, you will find people playing football. It’s a sport that’s open to everyone."
