He represents Sudan at international level but has never set foot in the country of his parents. Sheddy Barglan, the 24-year-old right-back of FC Den Bosch, has built a connection with his national team that goes deeper than the pitch, yet he admits he struggles with the language his teammates speak.
Feeling at home, but not fluent
Barglan says he feels comfortable in the Sudan squad, but communication remains a challenge. To close that gap, he has started taking Arabic lessons, a step that goes beyond football and points to his wish to understand where he comes from.
Questions about his mother’s past
The bigger questions, however, lie at home. Barglan knows very little about his mother’s past, and that gap in his family history weighs on him. The Den Bosch defender hopes to find answers, and his story shows how a footballer’s career can open a search for personal identity.
Source: www.vi.nl
