From Refugee Camp to Syracuse: Ahmat Mahamat Journey to Chasing His Football Dream

Ahmat Mahamat Journey to Chasing His Football Dream

Syracuse NY- In 2014, war tore through the Central African Republic, displacing thousands of families fleeing from the country, including 11-year-old Ahmat and his family. Their journey to safety led them to Garoua-Boulai, a small town in Cameroon near the border. The car ride across the border that carried them away from the chaos was fraught with uncertainty, and football was not yet a part of Ahmat’s life.

“I feel a sick emotion, a dream,” Ahmat, now a rising talent at Upstate United FC who prepares to showcase skills he honed over years of perseverance in Cameroon, reacted on his long journey from playing on the dusty streets with bare feet to having an opportunity to challenge the professional fields in America. 

“I sincerely feel something crazy, not real until now.” He said.

Football as a Refuge

Fleeing to Garoua-Boulai, Ahmat’s family faced the harsh realities of life as refugees. Resources were scarce, and settling in a new country brought its own set of challenges. Amid these struggles, football emerged as a beacon of hope for Ahmat.

Ahmat’s first encounter with the sport came through his uncle, who gifted him a Barcelona jersey and took him to watch the 2011 UEFA Champions League final in a local theater. The match was one of the masterpieces of Lionel Messi, Ahmat’s football idol, who scored in a clutch moment. Watching Messi’s mesmerizing performance ignited a passion in Ahmat that would soon take root in his heart.

“It was there that I loved football,” Ahmat said. “I had Messi written on almost all my clothes (afterward).”

Playing barefoot on the streets of Garoua-Boulai, Ahmat began developing his skills in the most humble of settings. His family, despite their limited means, supported his aspirations. At the age of 13, he joined the Asane Foundation, a local football club, where he was trained as a central midfielder. His tireless energy on the pitch earned him the nickname “Football Wizard,” and his talent quickly became undeniable.

“Soccer is my only thing (at that time) because I have talent and I believe in myself. I know that an opportunity will come and I will take it,” Ahmat said. 

Ahmat’s breakthrough came in local tournaments, where he consistently excelled. By 2016, he was dominating the competition, scoring 13 goals in eight matches during a championship run that secured the title for his team. Football wasn’t just a game for Ahmat—it was an escape, a source of joy, and a glimpse of what his future could hold.

A New Chapter in America

The opportunity to take his football dream further came through Upstate United FC. The club, which seeks to empower players from diverse backgrounds, identified Ahmat’s potential through outreach programs in refugee communities. Recognizing the chance of a lifetime, Ahmat and his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Syracuse.

“When I first met Ahmat, I was struck by his humility and resilience,” the club’s president Hanson Goeso said. “Despite all the challenges he has faced, he carries himself with a quiet determination. You can immediately sense his passion for football, and there's a genuine enthusiasm to be a part of our team and make the most of this opportunity.”

Adapting to life in a new country proved challenging for Ahmat. He needed to learn English at school, adjust to an unfamiliar culture, and get accustomed to professional football facilities that were drastically different from those in Cameroon. However, with the support of Goeso and the club's staff, he approached these challenges with the same determination that drives him on the pitch.

Upstate United played a vital role in Ahmat’s adjustment, offering the resources, guidance, and structure essential for his success. The club’s top-notch facilities and coaching team helped him hone his skills, while his teammates motivated him to surpass his limits.

Ahmat’s ambitions with Upstate United go beyond individual achievements. He aspires to showcase the club on more prominent stages, leveraging football as a means to inspire others. His journey, from a war-torn homeland to the realm of professional football, stands as a powerful testament to hope and perseverance opportunity.

For Ahmat, football represents more than a game—it serves as a means to reshape his narrative, pay tribute to his family's sacrifices, and establish a legacy that knows no boundaries. As he develops with Upstate United FC, Ahmat’s resolve to succeed stays resolute, fueled by the dream he unearthed as a child while watching Messi light up the night sky of Garoua-Boulai.

“He will bring energy, creativity, and a strong work ethic to the team,” Goeso said. “I believe he has the potential to be a key player for us in the future.”