The Muslim News - Faith drives Muslim footballer

Issue 213, Friday 26 January 2007 - 6 Muharram 1428

Faith drives Muslim footballer

By Zeeshan Akhtar

Football is a great melting pot in which a common goal unites players and fans of different racial, religious and economic backgrounds.
Its inclusiveness was on display again when teenage draftee Bachar Houli became the Australian Football League’s (AFL) first player of the Muslim faith. Bachar Houli joined the Dons as the No 42 pick in the AFL’s National Draft. Believed to be the first Muslim playing for AFL, Houli said he aimed to be a role model for young Muslims and help bridge Australia’s cultural divide.
The devout Muslim footballer will tell his Essendon team mates he prays five times a day, hates a beer and steers clear of nightclubs. Houli, 18, plans to observe religious fasts when it does not conflict with game day and to work at his parents’ Werribee fish and chip shop as often as he can.
His parents migrated from Lebanon 30 years ago. The Tarneit teenager said public focus on his religion would not stop him achieving on the football field. “I’m not only devoted to my religion, I want to succeed at the highest level in footy.”
He admitted he led a remarkably different lifestyle to that of most AFL footballers, but said his religion was an advantage. “It is good for me, it gives me discipline as a person. I pray fives times a day. I can’t go out in the nightlife and have a drink and become uncontrollable.”
The teenager plans to explain his beliefs to his team mates. “I will make people aware that I can’t drink alcohol or can’t do all the things they can do,” he said. Surely I will have the respect that everyone deserves.
Essendon snapped up the talented midfielder as a result of strong performances at the National Draft camp. Houli fasted during sunlight hours for two weeks before the camp for month of Ramadan. He broke the fast, with the permission of Muslim leaders, only 24 hours before gruelling fitness tests. “I spoke to them and they gave me the all clear,” Houli said. The teenager said he would continue to consult Muslim leaders over any conflicts between his faith and football.
The young left-footer began playing football at Spotswood Under 12s without telling his parents. He said his parents did not understand Australian football at the time. He confessed he was playing the sport when he brought home a bagful of trophies and received his parents’ blessing.
Houli said being drafted was a personal goal, but he hoped it would inspire other Australian Muslims to reach for their dreams.
“It is huge for me,” he said. “It also opens up the way for other Muslims around the community to know they can make the highest level.”

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