Amara and Thane Legend - Haji Bhai

Hajipasha Sheikh stands as one of the most esteemed figures in recreational football at Lodha Amara. He may well be the only individual from our community who once represented Maharashtra in his prime. Now, even in his 50s, he maintains an active presence in the football scene while holding a reputable position in a pharmaceutical company. Haji Bhai competes in veteran leagues and travels across India for tournaments, yet remains a regular player at Lodha Amara.

For many of us, the football ground was a significant factor in choosing to live in Amara, but Haji Bhai has deep roots here, having grown up in the area when Kolshet Road was dominated by factories like Bayer and Clariant, with only a few residential buildings scattered around.

Despite being over 50, Haji Bhai is still one of the top players at Amara, a remarkable achievement considering the competition from younger players in their teens and 30s. At nearly 40, I often feel outmatched by these younger athletes, yet Haji Bhai defies the odds, consistently outperforming them. He masterfully plays within his physical limits while making a significant impact on the game. His dedication and skill inspire me to continue improving my own game. Without his influence, I might have settled for my current level, but seeing someone 10-12 years my senior outplay not only me but also those 30-35 years younger is truly motivating.

Beyond his prowess on the field, Haji Bhai is a wonderful person, passionate about football and always willing to guide those who seek his help. One of my cherished moments with him is our walk home after matches. We take a different route from most players, engaging in simple, everyday conversations—not about life-changing topics or financial matters, but about the game, our township, the weather, or recent sports events on TV. Occasionally, Haji Bhai shares insights on how a player could have executed a move differently, leading to a beautiful goal. These moments make me aspire to reach his level of understanding and skill. Our conversations, though mundane, feel profound and are something I look forward to. Living in Amara on rent, I know these moments won't last forever, and hence I treasure them deeply.

Haji Bhai is also at the heart of one of the most unforgettable moments on the Amara ground. During a penalty shootout in the finals, my team, the Goal-diggers from LAFT (IYKYK), was leading by two goals. We only needed one more to secure the gold. However, Haji Bhai took over as goalkeeper, making crucial saves and extending the shootout to the seventh penalty. I was the one who missed that decisive shot, and we lost the finals. It was a season that had been perfect for us until that point. Yet, this experience taught me the power of perseverance. One man stood between us and victory, and the entire Amara football community celebrated the dramatic conclusion of the tournament. It took me months to move past the loss, convincing myself that perhaps the other team needed the win more, and that the memorable ending was worth more than a straightforward victory.

Not many of us will continue playing football into our 50s, but Haji Bhai does. He skillfully balances his responsibilities as a father of two, a loving husband, and a dedicated employee, all while finding time for his passion for football. When you truly love something, you make it happen, and Haji Bhai exemplifies this for football. I hope we can all continue to follow his example. I dont think we are able to express to him how much we value playing besides him. You dont have such conversation with people you meet often and live with. But I do hope we knows that we all cherish knowing him. He should know he a champion and is living a wonderful life which many can just hope to.