Muhammad Hakeme Yazid, the youngest of the Said brothers, announced himself to the Singapore Premier League after netting the opener for DPMM FC against Geylang International FC on August 2 last year to become the competition's second ever youngest scorer at 16 years and 175 days. This time BruSports News got a hold of the 17-year-old to learn more about him.
Q: Who is your favourite footballer? What do you like about him?
A: My favourite player is Neymar Jr of PSG (Paris Saint Germain) and I just like his style and skills.
Q: How about your favourite team?
A: My favourite team is FC Barcalona because of the way they play tiki taka football to confuse their opponents.
Q: Do you remember your DPMM FC debut? How was it like to get the start and score in the match?
A: Yes of course I remember because of how great it was and that it came as a surprise. I was shocked when coach (Adrian Pennock) asked me to be ready because I will be in the first 11. I was really nervous and even lost focus.
But as the match progressed, that nervousness disappeared and I started to focus more on the game.
It wasn’t the first time for me scoring a goal but it was the first in my professional career. I was extremely happy and it was really unexpected.
Q: Why did you choose to play in the forward position? Are you influenced by your brothers Shahrazen and Adi?
A: I have to say yes that my elder brothers Shahrazen and Adi have a big influence on me. I like to score goals and of course defending is also part of my game.
Q: What is your ultimate aim in football?
A: My main goal would be to make my family proud.
Q: What do you think makes a good footballer?
A: Hard work. You need to work hard to become a good footballer.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A: I don’t actually know yet but if I think about it, of course it will either be playing football professionally or to find a job.
Q: What tips can you give to those who wish to play football professionally?
A: For those who wish to achieve this, you need to be ready from the point of basics.
Q: What do you think is your biggest strength?
A: I think my greatest strength is youth and I’m will continue putting in the hard work.
Q: We know that you come from a footballing family with all your brothers playing. But if not for football, what sport would you be playing?
A: If not for football, I will probably end up playing any other sport that I’m good at and most likely it will be a sport that I can do with my family.
Q: Do you have a favourite brother to play alongside with?
A: If possible, I would like to be able to feel playing alongside all my eight brothers on a team.
Q: How is it like being the youngest brother in the family? Any pressure to try and achieve what any of your other siblings have achieved?
A: It is not easy being the youngest brother as you know you tend to get bullied by your older siblings but it happens in all families.
In terms of pressure, of course there will be because of what my older brothers have achieved so far and it will be difficult to replicate what they have done. But I will continue to work hard to try and achieve my own dreams.
Q: Anything you want to say to our readers?
A: Thank you and enjoy the story!
