An Anfield dream comes true

MANY loves the beautiful game of football and it can't be denied that a team like Liverpool is well-known for its legion of fans from all over the world. One can ask any of the passionate and adoring die-hard fans about their ultimate dream in life and don't be surprise if they share the common goal which is to watch a Liverpool match live at the famed Anfield, the homegrown of the English club.

But for one particular Bruneian, he has got more than what a fan can bargain for. And what he experienced can no doubt make any Liverpool fanatics around the world green with envy.

"I have played a game for Liverpool, yes no mistake! And have gone through the whole pre-match 'ritual' as well just like how the players will go through before each game at Anfield!" says a beaming Faizul Yahya when asked to recall his once-in-lifetime experience at Anfield.

"And guess what?" he added, "My teammate was none other than the legendary John Barnes!"

Faizul is no stranger to watching Liverpool games live at Anfield having watched several in the past few years. But it was in 2011 when the Ikhlas Team Lead of BAG Networks took a year of unpaid leave to be in the UK with his wife, who was pursuing her Masters degree then.

"I was pretty much free and easy in the UK. So I decided to do something good and be part of the Football Aid. It is a charity organisation which organised football games in famous stadiums all over the UK, such as Anfield, Goodison Park, Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium and etc."

"And I was really lucky to get the chance to play at one of my favourite places in the world the Anfield!" says the proud father of two.

One can understand how excited a passionate fan can get when given this rare chance to strut his football skills on the same field that was graced by many world and Liverpool players.

"It's hard to describe. I was nervous, excited and it feels like a dream. I just couldn't believe that I was actually going to play at Anfield with John Barnes!"

"Just like the slogan 'Living the dream', I guess I was indeed living the dream of playing for Liverpool for a day. There were other Liverpool's supporters from all over the UK and I was the only Malay guy there. Thankfully, I am 6ft tall, so I can say I fit in well with the rest of the players," Faizul says with a laugh.

Faizul adds that as he was playing for the home team, therefore he got to use the much sought-after home dressing room. "And we actually went through the whole 'ritual'," he says. "We had our name-printed jersey hanged at our designated seats. We then lined-up at the tunnel before the game and touched the legendary 'This Is Anfield' sign before going out onto the pitch with the 'You'll Never Walk Alone' anthem playing in the background. It's just like how you see the players on TV."

"For a day, I feel like a Liverpool player for real. It was truly amazing!" he recalls.

Faizul was hoping that his favourite player, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, would make an appearance at the match but he was not disappointed though when Gerrard was nowhere to be seen. The whole experience of playing at Anfield itself is amazing to him and the surprise given by John Barnes is like the generous spread of icing on the extraodinarily delicious cake.

"I was starstruck. Surprisingly, he is a funny guy. He joked a lot with us and is very friendly. His appearance in the team really created a whole different atmosphere in the dressing room." Faizul recalls that he was in awe seeing that Barnes still has his magic touches with the ball just like when he was in his prime in the early 1990s. Faizul's side ended the charity match with a 4-2 win and wrapped up the day with a good laugh with Barnes.

Back home, Faizul is no stranger to winning at football matches. He used to represent OKSB primary school and SOAS secondary school. And he also played for Kilanas FC when they won the Brunei-Muara district league.

Looking forward, Faizul strives to be a great father to his two kids. Professionally, he wants to continue growing in the company that he has served for 10 years. "I've grown up with the company, starting from handling customer service unit to application analyst and now leading and managing a team. I hope to progress further professionally with the company," he says.

Although he may be busy with work, but Faizul still make it a point to find some time to play sports, especially football.

"Playing football is fun. It gives me a reason to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle," he concludes.

The Brunei Times