Name: Haidar Al-shaibani (Or "H" for short)
Age (as of April 1, 2008): 24
Will you be back at Western next year?: Well as of now i can't say that I will be back, it all depends on how i do this summer in Europe. After being invited to MLS Toronto FC training last April, I just know that I have a big chance in Europe this summer. Of course, if I make it there then I'm staying. But to tell you the truth, if it was up to me and the CIS allows it, I'd be playng Western footy all my life.
What are your plans after graduation?: Make it Pro! I want to be able to make it professional as long as I'm still young, and it's a chance you have to take, because later in life you're going to look back and say, 'I tried my best but did not make the cut, but at least I tried,' because there are lots of people who regret that they did not do this or that, and wish they could get their hands on a time machine to go back and correct their decisions. And since I already have my degree, I know that I will always have a back up plan, even if it's working in the office from 9 to 5 - but still better than not having one (... oh, I'm so not looking forward to working in an office!)
What is your fondest memory at Western?: One of my most fondest memories at Western... hah, there are alot to pick from... but if I have to say one it will have to be meeting all my friends and athletes over the past 5 years. The people that you meet throught your University career are the ones that will always stay in your mind through the rest of your life. I'm sure that my teamates are always going to stay in contact with me and each other no matter where in the world their career takes them. Coming to University is like creating a Network of people that some may become your dearest friends.
What is your fondest memory as a Mustang (to date)?: OHHHHH, as a Mustang it is a bit easier, I'll have to say my fondest memmory is making Nationals three out of four times. Some of the new players on my team dont know how "huge" that is, there are teams that never even smelled or touched that level of competition, and here we have Western that is competing across Canada almost every year. That is a memory that I will cherish for life. Of course there are some teammates of mine that have been to nationals four out of the five times: Dante (Biscaro), and Kyle (Washington).
Who was the biggest influence in your time at Western?: That is easy - Gentjan Dervishi. First as a player on Western and my previous club, then as an assistent coash at Western. He is simply put one of the best soccer players in university level history and in Canada. As a coach, he knows how to treat and comunicate with players, and he knows when and how to push players without breaking them down. That is somthing that a lot of coaches lack here in Canada. He helped me a lot in improving my game, just because he knows and he has played at the highest level of soccer in Europe. During the summer, he got me ready for my departure to FISU games (in Thailand), which helped my game a lot and as you know we finished fourth-place, the best Canada ever placed. And of course that success caried through to the university season.
Did you have other offers/options when choosing a post-secondary institution?: I actually did have offers from Brock, Toronto, Ottawa and Carleton, but to tell you the truth all I was waiting for was the Western letter - once i got it, i just forgot about the rest. Just like that, no second thoughts.
What would you say to someone thinking about considering Western as a post-secondary institution?: I would have to say, you would spend the best 4 years of your life here at Western. The people that you are going to meet, the education level that you are going to receive, the hard work that you're going to spend as an athlete - it's all going to pay off at the end. Hey you, might even make it professional in some sport that you participate in. For me, it's been a wonderful experience here. We have here one of the best soccer programs in Canada, ask any other University about our soccer program and they all respect it and fear it. When teams come here to play (against Western), they know that they have to play 120% and even that is not going to help them. I will always Bleed Purple, no matter were I go.
What is your most embarrassing moment as a Mustang?: Most embarassing has to be being scored on from half during my second year. Of course we were winnig 3-0 and it was an exhibition game, but, still, I think i was fixing my hair during that game.
Funniest teammate/coach at Western?: Hands down it has to be Kyle Washington. This guy, once he starts talking, God help us all. Really, though, Kyle is one of the best teammates I have met here at Western, the guy is 5-foot-nothing or as I like to say, "5 and a hat," but his heart is big and he can take on players 2 or 3 times bigger than him. Go Mohawk!
Teammate most likely to succeed in your sport?: I'll have to say we have two, which are going to be the core of Western soccer next year. The Mavrikos twins, Nicholas and Yiannis. They do everything together, so sorry can't seperate those two. But I can see them playing pro somewhere, maybe in Greese, and of course together.
Superstitions/Rituals (pre-game, in-game, post-game)?: Pre-game: Just don't talk to me, I like to stay to myself, relax at home and watch Japanese Animation. In-game: Just before kick-off, I stand my back to the field in the middle of the net walk to my right touch the post with my left foot, then walk to the other post, touch it with my right foot, then walk to the middle and touch the cross bar with both my hands.
Current major and concentration: Economics (final year)
Future education plans (and institution): Right now, I'm not thinking of any, but in the future I might do a Masters in Economics.
Is there anything you’d like to add about your experience at Western?: Best soccer program in Canada. Best Campus in Canada. Best education level in North America.
