Majak Daw shares a strong connection and sense of understanding with all immigrants and refugees who have started over in Australia.  However during recent meeting with young Santo Joma, he had a surreal experience, seeing much of himself, at an early age, in the 17-year-old.

“I couldn’t believe how similar our paths had been,” Daw said.

“Santo and I have so much in common and to meet him and learn about his journey brought back a lot of memories for me.”

Both young men were born in Sudan but were forced to seek refuge in Egypt with their families in order to escape a turbulent environment.  Seeking a better life elsewhere, they eventually found new hope in Australia.

Recently, their paths crossed.  A friend of Santo’s arranged a meeting with Daw in North Melbourne to help Santo overcome some personal challenges.

“Santo was struggling to find any confidence,” Daw explained.

“He was a good student at school from what he told me but just didn’t feel like he belonged and struggled to fit in.  I know that feeling too well and it was good to be able to talk him through it and give him some encouragement.”

For Santo, the chance to meet Daw was a life-changing event.  The pair spoke about many up-hill battles and even shared their unfortunate experiences with racism.

“He told me with racism, just let it go in one ear and go out the other ear,” Santo said.

“He’s a great role model, especially for many Sudanese to get into football and other cultures to get into football, to try out the game and see if they like it or not…Hopefully one day I’ll meet him again and it will be awesome.”

A keen footballer, Santo naturally looks up to the Kangaroo forward and knows the game of AFL could one day, provide him with the same opportunities Daw was given.

“Just stick with footy, play it hard,” was Daw’s advice according to Santo.

Since their meeting, Santo’s mum Cecilia has noticed a dramatic change in her young son and believes Daw’s influence has given him some much needed strength and confidence.

“Racism was very hard for Santo.  Santo got bullied at his school and I couldn’t do anything.  Even just walking along the corridor he was treated badly,” Cecilia explained.

“Majak spent some time one-on-one with Santo which was very special.  Majak gave him encouragement.”

Since coming to Australia to provide more opportunities for her seven children, Cecilia has high hopes for Santo.

“Because we don’t have this ball back home, my dream is that maybe Majak and Santo maybe could go teach people back home in Sudan to play.

“Santo started playing football at nine-years-old and my dream was that Santo would be the first Sudanese AFL player but then Majak came along…I was so happy, and so I think maybe Santo will be the second.”

Just like the Daw’s, family and football have had a positive impact on the Joma’s and with the support they’ve received through caring friends and North Melbourne, the future is as bright as ever.

Now that he has rediscovered his love of football, Santo is looking forward to playing with the Wonthaggi Power next year.

A signed photograph of his favourite footballer hangs in the lounge room of the family home as a constant reminder of the day Santo met Majak.

To watch Santo’s trip to Aegis Park to meet Majak, click here