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FROM the small town of Kajang to the heights at Ajax Amsterdam and Freiberg. That is the success story of teenager Annil Vigneswaran who is steely determined to make a success of his footballing career.
Annil is sparing no effort in his ambition to become a top footballer and in the process has put his studies on hold so that nothing comes in the way of him becoming a success.
Having begun at the tender age of seven by learning the basics from his father, Annil's interest and progress in the sport led to the family pouring in all their effort and resources to ensure that the talent of his did not go to waste as they decided to back him all the way.
The father was instrumental in enrolling the son in the Little League - a youth academy that trained children between the ages of 5-16 across the Klang Valley. Annil's progress was remarkable as he then went for a stint in Amsterdam before returning to join the Kuala Lumpur Youth Soccer team. Greater opportunity followed when he landed a spot in the Under-19 side of top German club, Freiberg.
Before going further into his career, a look at how this young lad's path has taken off would be insightful.
“As a kid, all I wanted to do was play football. I used to wake up at 5am to train before going to school. In the evening I would train again. My aim is to be a good footballer,” he told The Vibes.
While juggling between primary school and football, his talent was spotted by a coach from Ajax Amsterdam.
Annil was offered the opportunity to attend a training camp in Amsterdam and it was just a no brainer for the 10-year-old who had always dreamt of playing in Europe.
He took on the challenge and was in tough company among the 200 other players from all over the world. The young upstart took a step forward when he secured a spot for a select group for a training camp when he came out second in the dribbling competition - thus enjoying a spell over the next three months in Amsterdam.
Although only part of the cost for the training camp was sponsored, Annil’s family stumped up the balance despite being financially tight. The parents were determined to give their son everything he needed as they were always supportive in Annil realising his dream.
At the end of the high intensity training programme, Annil returned to Malaysia and joined the Kuala Lumpur Youth Soccer with whom he spent the next four years. Throughout this period Annil kept in contact with the coaches in Europe.
When 14 he came to the attention of one of the youth coaches at Freiberg, Stefan Specht, who had been alerted by one of his contacts in Malaysia.
“It was a huge honour to have been scouted by a professional club particularly in Malaysia. And by a big club in Germany like Freiberg for the U-19 team,” gleamed Annil.
Before embarking on his new journey, Annil had to overcome what would become his biggest obstacle - leaving his family and everything else.
“The biggest hurdle I had to overcome was leaving my home and my family. It got emotional you know, if you have a bad day or a bad time there was no one to go home to. But you just have to be strong and keep going,” Annil shared about the tough time he had returning to an empty apartment.
“Despite missing him immensely, I am extremely proud of his dedication to his cause," shared Annil's mother on her social media.
Regardless of all the hard times and the fact that he was the only Asian in the team compounded by the fact he was not able to speak the language, Annil was determined to realise his dream of making it big in Europe.
Soon he came out of his shell, began making friends and even picking up the language via his interaction with his new-found friends. He later even attended language school. Yet, throughout his journey, Annil has stayed true to his humble roots.
Clearly understanding that his place in the team is always under scrutiny and not a sure thing, what with so many other players waiting in the wings, Annil continues to work hard to maintain his position.
“You come into the team at the expense of another player and it’s not a nice feeling; but that’s just how things are. So you must make an impact to cement your place.
“If you are just another player, they could just as well have taken another German player. Therefore, if another player runs 10km, I run 20km.”
However, maintaining his place in the team is not the only reason Annil is determined to make a success of his career. He needs to do justice for all the sacrifices that not only he, but also his parents have made.
Something has to give if Annil is to fulfil his football dreams. Thus he has hit the pause button on his academic career and only plans to return to it when he either has the time or when his football career ends - indeed a bold decision.
Yet, Annil is fully determined to make a success of his chosen career. The signs are seemingly good as he has already gotten some offers from other clubs.
“For now, I will focus on my U-19 career and see what the future holds.
“But regardless, I am super grateful to my parents for their sacrifices. My mum, who used to work at the University of Nottingham as the head of graduate school, is taking a break now so she can spend more time with me.
“And I am grateful to be in an academy at a really big club that is so supportive of my career.” - The Vibes, July 10, 2021
