Youngster Mohamed Adam has capped off a week he will never forget with the Western Sydney Wanderers announcing that he has been promoted from the Wanderers Academy on a two-year scholarship contract.
Youngster Mohamed Adam has capped off a week he will never forget with the Western Sydney Wanderers announcing that he has been promoted from the Wanderers Academy on a two-year scholarship contract.
Adam’s promotion comes off the back of his stunning performances in the Red & Black’s National Premier League (NPL) side, where he has scored 21 goals in 19 games this season.
The young gun has already featured in several pre-season friendlies with the Wanderers’ first team, including an appearance as a substitute in the international friendly against Leeds United at Bankwest Stadium last month.
But, Adam’s big moment came on Wednesday night when he helped the Wanderers to a 2-1 extra time FFA Cup Round of 32 win over Perth Glory at Dorrien Gardens.
Adam made a huge impact, opening the scoring in the second period of extra time with a classy individual effort from the edge of the box before having a hand in Kwame Yeboah’s late winner.
All of this coming in the week he celebrated his 19th birthday.
“I feel the hard work has paid off. I am definitely stoked and honoured to wear the Red & Black,” Adam, who was born in Sudan, said.
“I phoned my Dad and he was over the moon and very happy for me.
“I have supported the Wanderers from the start and, living in the heart of Western Sydney, and watching them play week in and week out, the club is very important to me.
“I feel very honoured…it is a childhood dream come true.”
Adam paid tribute to the football staff at the Wanderers, saying he has nothing but support from everyone.
“I’ve had a lot of guidance from players like Pirmin Schwegler and Rado Majewski and the coaches – Markus (Babbel), JP (Jean-Paul de Marigny, Labi (Labinot Haliti) and Arthur Diles. There is a really good support network around me,” he added.
Adam said he is prepared for all the hard work that is now in front of him.
“As a young player I will try and do the best for the team first and foremost and from there just improve and work hard day in and day out and, hopefully, get as many starts and appearances as possible,” he said.
“Obviously I have a lot of confidence. Speaking with Markus, he really puts a lot of trust in the young players. He doesn’t care if you are 18 or 34, if you are good enough you will start playing.
“Hearing that I feel is a really good confidence boost.
“I can’t wait to throw myself into the hard work and, hopefully, get to experience the fantastic atmosphere produced by the Wanderers fans.”
Adam has done all the hard yards in the Foxtel Y-League and National Premier League, working under the tutelage of Diles.
The attacker has been a revelation in the NPL, earning his scholarship contract with some outstanding performances.
Diles has seen Adam grow in the two years he has been at the club since joining from local side Marconi Stallions.
“It is wonderful to see all of Mohamed’s hard work is now starting to pay off,” Diles said.
“When he first came to the club and started playing in the NYL side then the NPL side he thought he was ready for bigger things.
“But, he quickly understood he needed to do a lot more work. The good thing about Mo is that he listens and learns. He is a top kid, very respectful with a top attitude.
“He has never been afraid of hard work. You combine his strong mentality, desire and attitude with his natural ability and you have the makings of a very good player.”
