Milo U18 Schools Football tournament 2023: Differently-abled goalie steps up to the challenge for Dora Secondary

By Jemima Holmes

Dora Secondary played their first Milo Under 18 Schools’ Football tournament game last Sunday, and while their results were not as favourable, the team had a gem on display.
From a distance, Kedon Nazir appeared to be just short in stature, but with the zoom of a camera in Guyana Times Sports’ case, or when one ventured closer to the parameters of the football pitch, the uniqueness of his abilities come to light.
The 17-year-old fourth-form student of Dora Secondary, located on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, is living with a disability that has hindered the growth of his feet. However, this obviously talented goalkeeper has not allowed it to limit him.
Sharing his story with Guyana Times Sport, Nazir revealed that he started school one year late, owing to his disability. But like most other boys in his village, he took a liking to the sport of football, which he goes to watch and sometimes play on the sand pitch in Swan village, also on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Finally, Nazir got his opportunity to play on a continuous basis with the Milo Under 18 tournament approaching, and tried out for his school team.
“It had three keepers: me, Jerry and Joel, and they had to test all three keepers and see who is the best. So, I got picked to be the best, because they see how I played,” the youngster told this publication.
Nazir spoke about his love for the sport, “Because I just like the game, and the game could keep your body healthy. That’s why I like it.”
Facing up to the challenge of Chase’s Academy, Nazir only conceded three goals before being substituted, but his numerous saves were a treat to watch. By the second half, every save Nazir pulled off was met with cheers.
The youngster is not afraid to leap and dive to get the job done, and it was all done bare-handed, since the teenager does not own a pair of gloves.
“The goal is big, but I accustomed to jumping,” he shared.
While it was his first outing, Nazir was pretty self-assured in his abilities. He explained, “I been confident. I mostly do this every day.”
The youngster, who hails from a single-parent family, shared that his team has been supportive, and he is never faced with bullying owing to disability.
“I fit in to the team easy,” he told this publication.
“Them is support me with a lot, because I know everybody good. Nobody don’t trouble me or anything,” the budding goalkeeper added.
Nazir is set to feature again for Dora Secondary in the second round of the Milo tournament. The second round is set to begin next Saturday.