Zarwan Johar, a rising star in the local football arena, who has now got selected to play professional club football in Seychelles, shares his life as a footballer exclusively with ThePapare.com.
How did your football career begin?
My football life started since when I was small in school. But as a life changer I would say when I switched schools in 2008 from T.B. Jayah College to Zahira College Colombo. I played for the Under 13 team in school and then represented the country in the junior nationals which toured to Iran in 2009. From then to now I have played for the Sri Lankan football team every year.
Your experience playing for the National Football team?
I have trained under so many coaches when I was playing for the national team. Everyone’s target is to become the champions of the tournament we are going to play. But the way we practice is different and it helps us a lot to improve our personal skills.
Especially when it comes to fitness and gym sessions. Compared to the club practices we gain a lot from the national team practices as the coaches have a better experience. I started off with Iran in 2009 with the under 13 national team and then again to Iran in 2010. 2011- Nepal and India. 2012- England. 2013- Jordan and 2014- Goa, Indonesia, Pakistan, Seychelles and Bangladesh.
Could you tell us about your experience at Manchester united?
Manchester United, a tour which cannot be forgotten and it is one of my favourite clubs. Every football players dream is to visit one of the greatest clubs. In that case I should say I was very lucky to get selected among the thousand odd players who came for selections on that day back in 2012. I would say it was a memorable tour for me. Visiting Old Trafford was an achievement. The football lifestyle over there is far different than the one here.
Locally you played for Java Lane? Tell us your life at Java Lane.
Playing for Java Lane was my dream since I was small. As it had been the place where I grew up and the place where I learnt football every day. When I was small I played for the Java Lane B team and eventually got selected to play for the 1st XI team.
Secret behind your success?
I have trained under so many coaches, can’t mention any particular name as such. An individual who has supported me since small days is Mr. Nilar, he is popular as Armstrong among us. I call him as my dad. He has supported me mentally and financially. If I have worn different types of boots that is because of him. I would also like to mention Sumith master a person who has taught me football since I was small, Uncle Thaslim and Maxi as people who have helped me throughout my football life.
How did you get the chance to play professional football in Seychelles?
During our tour to Seychelles, I got an opportunity to show my skills during the last couple of matches. I was glued to the bench. Coach chose me as a striker to substitute in the last few minutes where I made an assist and scored a goal. I made use of that opportunity even though the time frame was very little. After my performance over there, some of the club officials offered me a chance to play for their club. Name of the club is Northern Dynamo. They play for division 1 in the Seychelles football league.
Why are you leaving Sri Lanka?
I come from a poor family. Only income to the family comes through my dad and my salary which I earn by playing. My job is playing football. I want to take good care of my family and make my parents happy. What I earn from the club and from the national team is not enough for living. Even the national team doesn’t get a big amount. The money is much more less than a normal person’s monthly income.
Are you hoping to move forward in life from Seychelles? Any plans of coming back to Sri Lanka?
Definitely I will. I want to play for an English club. I’ll go up in the ladder step by step. From Seychelles to another good club which will help me in future. Yes. Football is everything to me. I’ll play football if I comeback and also I’ll teach the others what I learnt from overseas.
What needs to be done for Sri Lanka Football from the Football federation?
Firstly the players should be treated very well. They play for the country and if no one supports them then they will be disappointed. Players should be improved fitness wise and mentally. The grounds should be well maintained. Only a few grounds in Colombo are well maintained. There should be an international Football stadium. Sri Lanka should give more prominence to football as it is watched and enjoyed globally.
What have you learnt from the new Sri Lankan Coach, Nikola Kavazovic?
He has taught us something new about the game. He always told us our only aim should be to qualify for the world cup. Along with him Sampath Perera and Dudley Steinwall are making a huge effort to uplift the performance of the team. Like I said earlier National practices are much more different than the club practice sessions.
ThePapare.com thanks Zarwan for his time, sharing his valuable thoughts with us and we wish him good luck for his future career in football. Sri Lanka will always be proud of such talents.
