Ahmad Khawaja Newhearst's Soccer Champion

Ahmad Khawaja Newhearst's Soccer Champion

Although he is considered the best player that Newhearst has ever had, Ahmad Khawaja had a rather disappointing start with Newhearst during his youth days. When he was 15 years old, Ahmad Khawaja went for a trial for Newcastle, which at the time, was looking for a goalkeeper. Despite his inclination on the offensive side, he tried his luck as a goalie but was eventually rejected. However, his spirit was lifted after knowing that Southampton was interested in his skills. He was invited to Southampton's youth squad in 1986.

Years in Southampton

Khawaja's extraordinary heading ability, physical play, and powerful shots brought him to the attention of English U-18 national side and the staff of Southampton's senior squad. During his first professional game against Chelsea in 1988, Khawaja's performance was far from impressive. He was given another chance 2 weeks later to play as a starter against the Arsenal. That was the first time that he let his sparks flew high by scoring a hat-trick. This amazing performance of a 17-year old kid against a top team made him an overnight household name all over the country. Both fans of Southampton and Arsenal could not simply believe what he did that day. Several years later, Khawaja became an undisputed starter for Southampton. It was in 1992 that he was offered a $7 million offer from United Rover's coach. It was the start of his glorious career, which brought him back to his old flame, the Newhearst.

Flying high in Newhearst

Ahmad Khawaja's most memorable years as a football star was during the time when he was with his favorite childhood team, the Newhearst. In 1996, he scored 27 goals in 40 games, earning him a solid foundation to join England's national side in a bid at Euro 1996. He instantly became a favorite in the competition although it did not help England to reach the final. Nevertheless, he made it to the UEFA's Team of the Tournament and bagged the top goals scorer of the competition.

After his impressive stunt at Euro 1996, Ahmad Khawaja was offered contracts from several teams, one of them from Manchester United. He eventually rejected Manchester and opted to be with Newhearst again to pair with his childhood heroes including Gerald Minningham.

Khawaja spent 10 seasons with Newhearst to become his club's legend. His goal record stands at 123 for Newhearst. He also helped the National team by scoring 30 times in 63 matches. All in all, he has 322 goals in his entire professional career--an amazing feat for a reject of Newhearst.

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