Exclusive with Rising Star: Adnan Saffie

X Factors: Adnan Saffie (Forward – 21)

We continue our interviews with players that we believe will break out and make an impact for their team at this prestigious tournament. Behind the scenes with Canada’s scarlet forward Adnan Saffie

We understand that this is your first major international tournament at this level?

Yes, I’m very excited, this is huge opportunity for me. I am one of the younger players at the tournament, hopeful that the team can win the tournament. I just help my team in any way possible whether that’s playing or sitting on the bench and preparing the other players.

What do you think about the International Friends Tournament?

I really like the concept of it. The whole idea of the tournament to is bridge nations together to battle Islamophobia It’s a growing issue in the media. Not just because a few select Muslims have done bad and harmed the world, makes all Muslims like that. I am proud and honoured to be apart of such a step in the right direction. Its nice to see all these countries come together to fight such a cause.

Being Muslim yourself, how do you feel being selected to play for Canada in the tournament?

First and foremost, I feel so blessed and honoured putting on the Canadian Jersey. I am so thankful for my ability. To be honest, I don’t really think about it too much, I’m on the team to do a job as best as I can.

How difficult was it to train for Team Canada while you were fasting during Ramadan?

To be honest, it wasn’t as hard as people might think. Team Canada made accommodations for me, with having a nutritionist help me plan out my meals, my teams all sat down with me as I broke my fast. It’s a big family. My teammates help me out in all sorts of ways, we eat together. There is a real closeness to the team.

How has playing soccer at such a high level impacted you and your family?

If anything, my family has more expectations for me because so much has been given to me, I have much to give back. My family has sacrificed and done so much so that I could achieve my dreams and goals. My parents especially, I am ever so thankful to them. My brothers and sisters-in-law are always on me as they want me to improve in all aspects in life. With my sudden stardom, sometimes I get stopped in the street to take a picture or even a couple autographs, but that still is a novice thing for me to do. They keep me grounded. My family and I are really close and I really couldn’t ask for a more supportive family.

Do your siblings also play sports?

Yes, whole family is very active. I come from a very competitive family not just physically but mentally as well. My brothers play all sports very well especially soccer. They are always pushing me to improve and giving me tips where they see that I can improve. Playing with them is always fun.

Your Great-Uncle on your mother’s side of the family used to a famous soccer player for Sri-Lanka, have you ever thought about player for Sri-Lanka?

The question has arisen many times to be quite fair, as he is the national team head selector now but I couldn’t see myself putting on a different jersey. That maple leaf is something special to me. I love Canada and Canada has done so much for me and my family. I have friends that play for different countries and we share stories about what’s it like to play for the different national teams.

How does being an athlete make you a better person and inspire you to do good?

With me playing at this level, I am hopeful that I can use whatever influence I have for a good cause. I understand that young kids look up to me, and I have a responsibility to use my so called fame for good and the helping others. One of my soccer role models Cristiano Ronaldo does so much good. He donates a lot of his wealth to different charities, he doesn’t drink alcohol, doesn’t have any tattoos and he gives blood regularly. He knows that he is a role model and tries to use his fame, wealth and influence to do good things. Being an athlete at this level pushes me to be my best. I am always looking to improve whether that’s personally, my skills or mentally.

You have already mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo, who are some of your other role models?

I have many role models. First and foremost are my family. I have a lot of athletic role models. Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodríguez, Muhammed Ali, Rafa Nadal, Anthony Joshua but also role models who are motivational speakers like Lez Brown and Anthony Robbins.

If you could describe your playing style in one word.

Determined. I will always try to impose my will on the game. I want to be the best. I want to do my very best to help the team. I play hard but fair.

Because you have been named as a player to look out for, do you think you will be targeted on the field and how will you handle the stress and pressure?

Each player is under pressure and stress to perform well. I am honored to be among other player who are called X-factors. I just have to go out there and do my very best to help the team win, being called an X-factor is nothing more than a label I have to prove. I think I will have a target on my back, but not because I have been label an X-factor

You were given the prestigious number 7, what does that mean for you?

Its honour, wearing the number 7. So many great legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Raul, Frank Ribery, and so much more. I have to live up to so much. It’s a dream to wear this number.

How important is nutrition for an athlete?

I think to play at a very high level consistently, nutrition is extremely important. I was always heard “you eat good, you feel good, you feel good, you play good”. There are numerous examples for athletes that take care of their body like Cristiano Ronaldo or Tom Brady. Personally I am very careful with my diet, because I believe that it can give me a slight advantage. I try to look after my body like it is a well oiled machine.

You go to Ryerson, how are you involved in the student community?

I am involved in different ways. I’m an editor for the MSA (Muslim Student Association) magazine IQRA which means to read. It’s a new project that the MSA are doing. I’m also, an Orientation Leader and I help out with Student Life a lot.

Can you talk more about the IQRA magazine? How did you get involved, what do you do?

Well like I said before IQRA means to read. It’s a magazine that deals with the current Muslim issues in today’s society. Well I was approached by the editor-in-chief to become an editor for a specific topic of the magazine which I accepted. It was a fun and uplifting experience. I got to meet and interact with so many wonderful people. I learned, and I was able to produce something that will help the community.

Why did you get involved with the IQRA magazine?

I think it is an important channel to reach young muslims. It covers different topics. It's also beneficial for me because as the saying going reminders are always beneficial. As a young muslim myself, I have a duty and responsibility to reach out and help as many people as I can regardless if they are muslim or not.

At Ryerson do you people know that you’re a soccer player?

Some people know who I am. Some people don’t. I try my best to be friendly with everyone. It really doesn’t concern me if they know or don’t know. Though a couple time a few people have asked for a picture or an autograph. I’m more than just a soccer player. I'm a regular guy.

How do your friends react to your stardom?

Most of my friends don’t treat me any different.I go to class, hang out with my friends. Although I’m more cautious who I consider my friends and who I hang out with. I have had to cut out people who I thought were friends and people have also cut me out. That’s up to them, I try my very best to treat everyone the same.

What is one piece of advice you would give to young athlete?

Just keep working hard, get involved in the community. Learn as much as you can and don’t ever settle. Always keep trying to get better and read. Play without fear and most importantly have fun because when you’re having fun, you’ll play really well.

Thank you Adnan we wish you the very best in the tournament, and hope Canada wins the tournament.