Dilen Ibrahim has been selected for the Victorian School Boys Under 19 soccer side to compete in Townsville. 84946_01 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By LIAM TWOMEY
WHEN Dilen Ibrahim was 11 years old his local soccer club was in a spot of bother.
Shortly before kick-off, the team’s regular goalkeeper was nowhere to be found and the coach put the call out for anyone interested in having a go to raise their hand.
After no one volunteered to jump in front of the net, Ibrahim took it upon himself to have a go and he’s never looked back.
Just five years later the Taylors Hill resident is one of the best junior goalkeepers in the state which resulted in his selection in the Victorian School Boys Under 19 team.
Ibrahim was one of just two goalkeepers selected for the tour.
“We did a few weeks of trials and we played a few matches and the team was picked after that,” Ibrahim said.
“This is the first one (state team) I’ve made so I’m pretty happy.
“I was a bit surprised. I thought I did well but you’re still not sure what the coaches think and things like that. But when I got the email to say I got through I was pretty surprised and pretty rapt.”
Ibrahim and his team mates will travel to Townsville for the tournament this week where they are set to line up against some of the most exciting young players in the country.
Despite playing one of the most pressure filled positions in the game, the 16-year-old is looking forward to the challenge of playing at the next level.
“I like the pressure. It’s a lot of pressure on you to do your best. You really have to try and minimise the amount of mistakes and be a leader as well.
“You need to set up the defence and I really enjoy that. I like leading and helping them to make sure the ball doesn’t get to me because that’s what we are aiming to do. I’m aiming to get the least amount of touches I can.
“I just want to try and do my best and help out the team as much as I can. We will be trying to aim for the first, second, third positions to try and get a medal.
“The competition is pretty tough. They (Victoria) haven’t won a medal since 2002 or 03.”
Ibrahim will be given the ideal preparation leading into the tournament as he continues to work with former Socceroo Jeff Olver at his training academy.
There are no plans to slow down for the rising star who is eyeing a big future in the sport.
“I’m aiming to play overseas but it just depends if I can get that far. I’ll just have to see what opportunities come ahead,” he said.
