Alsaad ready to howl with the Wolves

When Dhari Alsaad arrived from Kuwait fifteen years ago as an eight year old, he knew football was the path he wanted to take.

Now as a bright eyed 23 year old, Alsaad will line up for the South Coast Wolves in the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 competition.

Alsaad took his first footballing steps at grassroots level, playing park football for Blacktown Association’s Doonside Hawks.

His next move forward saw him sign with PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 side APIA Leichardt Tigers.

A year later and Alsaad was in Brazil, playing in the academy side of Serie B team Brasilis FC. 

The accession and transformation through the leagues was most certainly noticed by the youngster.

“It’s a massive difference from park football to the states top league.

“The quality, technicality and physicality are at a different level with more knowledgeable coaches.”

The move to Brazil served as a pleasant shock for the Wolves right back.

“I was sent to Brazil by Marshall Soper and spent a few months with Serie B team Brasilis FC.

“The training there was completely different to anything we did in Australia with the ball being involved in all our training sessions.

“We trained five days a week with the ball everyday at our feet, something a young player needs and that’s where I improved most as a footballer.”

Alsaad then came back to Australia but didn’t keep himself here to long, becoming somewhat of a journeyman, playing football in Thailand, Denmark and Germany.

“Thailand was a difficult move with the culture change and so on.

“I then went to the Danish second division with Svebolle B&I FC but Visa issues were a stumbling block.

“After spending a season with SV Hadamar in Germany I received a call from Svebolle and signed back there, also playing a season.”

The youngster then decided that it would be best for him to come back home.

“Along with some family reasons, I decided it was best to come back to Australia and try to make it in the Hyundai A-League and make a name for myself here.

“It’s a lot harder to make it in Europe, especially as a foreigner.”

Alsaad is now playing under the watchful eye of Wolves mentor Nahuel Arrate.

“Naz is brilliant.

“He’s great with his coaching and the boys.

“I like him because his sessions are well structured, very technical and tactical.

“You’re always learning and bound to learn something new with Naz every session.”

The Wolves have their aims for the season but as does Alsaad and he recognises them.

“We want to make the top five and play finals football.

“I want to do my job well in the positions I’m given.

-By Nikola Pozder