FROM the small community of Mulo Mulo in Nadi to the bright lights of Sydney, the Mohammed cousins are living proof that strong roots can shape big dreams.
The cousins, Ibrahim Afzal and Aadil Mohammed, whose fathers are brothers, took centre stage at the Australian Football Federation Incorporated awards night, each walking away with top honours after a standout year in local football.
Afazal, a member of Bula FC, was named Footballer of the Year, while Adil’s consistency between the posts earned him the Golden Glove award.
But their success is not just measured in trophies.
Both players have become mainstays for Nadi Sydney and the Mulo Mulo Highlanders, playing key roles in the FANCA International Club Championship and proudly representing their heritage on foreign soil.
Despite being born and raised in Sydney, their hearts remain firmly in Mulo Mulo, a place they credit for shaping their identity both on and off the pitch.
Family, they say, has been everything.
With constant encouragement from parents and grandparents, the cousins have carried not just their ambitions, but the pride of their community with them every time they step onto the field.
In a touching moment, Afazal dedicated his Footballer of the Year award to his late grandfather, Umar Mohammed, a tribute that captured the emotional core of their journey.
“I dedicate this award to my (Dada), grandfather who isn’t with us, but looking upon.”
Their third cousin, Solayman Mohammed, is also a member of Bula FC., a professional football franchise in Fiji that competes in the OFC Professional League.
