Ten-year-old Saido Berahino escaped conflict in Burundi and traveled to Birmingham, later ending up in foster care until a DNA test verification. He shares his remarkable voyage from war-torn Burundi to the English Premier League.
In the heart of Manchester, Old Trafford became a significant milestone in the career of Saido Berahino. Born in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi in August 1993, Berahino's journey to the Premier League was nothing short of extraordinary.
As a child, Berahino's early years were spent in Burundi, a country still struggling with technological development. Amidst the hardships, he found solace in football, using plastic bags to create a makeshift ball as he honed his skills.
At the age of 10, Berahino left Burundi to be with his mother and siblings in Birmingham, England. His father had passed away during the civil war that broke out two months before his birth and lasted for 11 years. After his arrival, Berahino was put in a care home while authorities verified his mother's identity.
Berahino's football career began humbly, playing for his school and a Sunday league team. His talent was soon recognised, and he made waves in the West Bromwich Albion youth sides. In the 2013/14 season, he burst onto the Premier League scene, becoming a key player for the club.
One of Berahino's most memorable moments came during his time with West Bromwich Albion, when he scored a winning goal at Old Trafford. The goal was a highlight of his career and capped a remarkable story for the Burundi-born striker.
Despite his success in England, Berahino chose to represent the senior Burundi national side. He was invited to play for the Burundian FA when he was 17 and ultimately decided to help Burundi qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, which they did.
Berahino's national anthem performance for Burundi brought a strong emotional connection, as he felt his father's soul. He was also called up to the senior England side by Roy Hodgson in 2014, but he didn't get off the bench.
In a poignant twist, Berahino's mother has since moved back to Burundi. Despite the challenges that still exist in the country, Berundi is working on improving its technology. Berahino continues to be a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, one can overcome adversity and achieve great things.
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