Junior football star offered contract with West Ham U-21

Jul 25, 2009 Sports

Harbours thoughts of representing Guyana in the future

Simon Roberts (centre) is flanked by his mother Hazel Khan (left) and stepfather Salim Khan.

By Franklin Wilson
He started playing the game of football at age 10. The driving factor behind him returning to the game back was because it was the norm for youngsters in his neighbourhood, North/West London.
But almost 7 years on, he is on the threshold of making his debut as a striker with leading English Premier League side, West Ham United Under-21 team.
We’re talking of 16 year-old Simon Roberts who was born in London to a Guyanese mother, Hazel Khan and Grenadian father, John Roberts.
In his short career to date, Roberts has had rewarding times with Round Wood, Wembley High and Leyton Orient Football clubs.
He started playing as a midfielder but has now moved further up field and now holes the position of striker.
The last club Roberts played for was Uffington High, but now he is refocusing on his career at West Ham United – Nickname: The Hammers, The Irons – where he has been offered a contract with their Under-21 side.
As a right midfielder, Simon has scored a total of 46 goals in 32 games last season. He was spotted by one of the many scouts who watch games and offered a contract.
Simon noted that this was not the first time he was approached by scouts, but his former manager always persuaded him to stay, but not this time.
Simon, who will celebrate his 17th birthday on August 19, is expected to start playing at West Ham in September, but is presently enjoying some holiday time in Guyana with his mother Hazel Khan and step father; Salim Khan who he said has been of tremendous support to him over many years.
Salim noted in the interview with Kaieteur Sport that he has been very supportive and encouraging to Simon over the years and is very proud of his achievement.
Commenting on being offered a contact at West Ham, Simon said he considered it a privilege.
“Because this is a high level of football, it’s better than semi pro that I’ve been playing for most of my life now, so it’s basically me moving up. I always knew that I had the ability but it was just that chance to get the right opportunity to go the next step.”
Apart from his immediate family including his mom Hazel and step dad Salim being there for him, Simon said that he has been inspired by international players the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and some of the older players like Diego Maradona and Pele.
“As a young player growing up, I always wanted to be better than the players in my neighbourhood, for good reasons.”
While playing for West Ham, Simon will be attending Richmond upon Thames College (formerly Twickenham College of Technology), which is a higher education college in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
The College is equipped with all the modern amenities including a Multi-Gym, Extensive Sports Fields and a Sports Hall.
Simon’s dream is to play in the FIFA World Cup, the ultimate aim of any footballer. When asked if it was for England, he said, “I don’t mind who I play for.”
When his mom was asked if he would like to play for Guyana, she smiled as if to confirm, “That’s a go for me, certainly.”

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