Every season, there is always that rookie who catches fans’ eyes and make them think that he was the missing piece from last season.
With a team composed of 22 neophytes, one was bound to step up and play a leading role for the team despite being new to the UAAP.
However, coach Alvin Ocampo insisted that everyone, regardless of their seniority, must be accountable to how the team performs in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Tournament. One of the newcomers, Mohammad Adil Almohjili, has shown that he has what it takes to become a game-changer for the team.
The Mechanical Engineering student has come off the bench for the Taft school’s first two games this year and impressed with his ability to create goalscoring opportunities for the team.
Almohjil, who is from Saudi Arabia and is half Yemeni and Filipino, sat down with GoArchers to explain how his journey from the middle eastern nation to Manila.
How did you come to La Salle?
My mom actually wanted me to come to the Philippines to study and the first choice she had was La Salle and through the help of coach Hans-Peter Smit, I got into La Salle and I got recruited by coach Hans.
How is life as a student-athlete?
Of course, it’s rough. You have your training, you have your studies to do but everything is going smooth with the help of the student managers and the OSD and the guidance of the seniors.
How do you describe your playing style?
My playing style is maybe trickster. I bother the defenders and try to score and contribute (something) each game. I try to help the team every game.
How has the experience been so far in the UAAP?
It’s really nice and really exciting because every game is an improvement for the team and we improve each week and we fix our mistakes. We have our connection to strength and every weekend we improve and improve.
How was it like scoring your first goal for the Green & White?
As we know the first goal is always the most challenging as a rookie. I feel proud and thankful to represent La Salle, especially scoring for them (and) also to represent my family, Almohjili and Tarayao. But I am still not yet satisfied. I am still hungry for more goals but (first and) foremost I want to accomplish many things for this University and give the Lasallian community what it deserves.
For the past two games, you were brought on as an impact player off the bench rather than a member of the starting 11. How are you adjusting to your current role?
I always try to be flexible to any situation the game is in. I strive to listen to what the coaches observe and what they want me to do for the team. I believe that each player has a role in our team and we must perform our respective roles to achieve our goals. I personally believe that if you really want to play and perform well, you really have to adjust to any circumstances and situations that the game is in and what challenges God puts you in, because at the end of the game you don’t lose, you just either win or learn.
What would you like to accomplish as a rookie on a personal level and for the team?
First of all, I would like to get the UAAP (championship) with the team since we didn’t win it since 1998. It would be really proud (for me) to have the mark of the UAAP. I’m (also) satisfied if saw an improvement from the team since last year.
My personal goals, of course, are to show my potential and maybe join the national team. Maybe (also) show myself and make my family proud.