Sakariya Abdi Hassan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Known affectionately as “Sak,” the young footballer went from playing non-league football in England to representing Somalia’s national team a dream he never thought possible. His story is a tale of resilience, pride, and the unbreakable bond between sport and identity.
Born in the Netherlands and later moving to England at the age of seven, Sak grew up immersed in football. He passed through the academies of several clubs, including Leyton Orient, QPR, and Tottenham, before eventually finding his place at Wealdstone in the National League. He also showcased his skills in the popular six-a-side Baller League tournament, backed by YouTube star KSI. But while football at this level kept him competitive, Sak never imagined that international football was on the horizon.
That changed with a phone call. An unexpected invitation to join the Somalia national team, known as the Ocean Stars, set him on a path that connected him deeply to his heritage. Since then, he has proudly worn Somalia’s colors, making 10 appearances and scoring twice — achievements that mean more than just personal milestones.
Currently, Somalia is ranked 200th in the world, the third lowest-ranked African nation. The Ocean Stars haven’t secured a win in six years, and they sit bottom of their World Cup qualification group. Yet, Sak’s optimism is unshaken. For him, progress is already visible.
“We’re doing a lot better than we were ten years ago,” Sak explains. “We’re no longer getting beaten 5-0 or 6-0 every game. When I first joined the team, we only flew out once a year for matches. Now we’re gathering every international break. That’s a big improvement, but the challenge is to keep building.”
Somalia’s football dream has always been overshadowed by years of civil war. The national team last played in Mogadishu, the capital city, back in 1986. Since then, their “home games” have been played in Djibouti and other venues outside Somalia. For Sak, returning to Mogadishu’s Garoonka Cayaaraha Stadium would be the ultimate dream.
“If we were to play at home, it would mean everything. Imagine a full stadium in Mogadishu supporting us. Right now, we only see a few hundred fans at games. To feel that kind of support on our own soil would be unforgettable,” he says with hope.
Beyond dreams of playing at home, Sak believes the Ocean Stars can one day qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “Of course, we’re far from winning it, but qualifying is realistic. Within the next 10 years, I believe Somalia will get there,” he asserts.
Football is deeply woven into Somali culture. It is the most popular sport, played by children and adults alike, watched passionately by families, and celebrated by communities. The diaspora has played a vital role in keeping this spirit alive, particularly in countries like the UK where Somali communities gather to support their team.
“When I scored for Somalia, my phone exploded,” Sak recalls. “The love from the Somali community in England was overwhelming. People hosted watch-alongs, celebrated online it was crazy. There’s nothing like the love our people give.”
For young Somali players abroad, Sak’s journey is a symbol of possibility. In Bristol, players like Abshir Adan and Andreas Ali of Phoenix Next Gen see Sak as a role model. “Seeing someone from our background make it to international level is so inspiring,” Andreas says. “It pushes us to dream bigger, and it makes the whole community proud.”
Abshir believes Sak is opening doors for more Somali talent across the world: “Now people in Sweden, the UK, and elsewhere are realizing Somalia is a team they can represent. In the next decade, you’ll see more Somali kids becoming professionals and playing for the national team. Sak Hassan will be remembered as the trailblazer.”
Even without victories, moments of pride remain. One unforgettable draw came against Guinea, featuring Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who recently scored a hat-trick against Barcelona. Sak laughs as he recalls the match: “He couldn’t score against Somalia. That shows how far we’ve come.”
As Somalia prepares for more qualifiers, including a rematch with Guinea, Sak and his teammates carry the hopes of millions at home and abroad. For Sak, every match is more than a game it’s a step toward restoring national pride, proving that even the lowest-ranked teams can dream big.
From grassroots football in England to becoming a symbol of hope for Somalia, Sak’s story reminds the world that football is more than just sport it’s about identity, unity, and the belief that one day the Ocean Stars will rise.
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