UAE-based youngsters target more caps after making bow at youth international level

ABU DHABI: Two Manchester City Football Schools players in the UAE have set their sights on winning more international caps after playing for their national teams at age-group level.

Zakariyya Zafarullah, 15, and Zack Johnstone, 14, part of CFS’ Talented Player Programme, supported by e&, have represented Sri Lanka and Scotland respectively, after being spotted by scouting teams.

And, having donned the jerseys on the international stage, they are eager to add to their caps tally and are dreaming of playing for the senior teams one day.

Midfielder Zafarullah, who has three international caps for Sri Lanka Under-17s to his name, made his debut on his 15th birthday against Bhutan in a South Asian Football Federation tournament.

He told Arab News: “It was one of the best moments to wear the shirt of Sri Lanka and there was a lot of pride in representing my country … I had to adapt quickly and understand how we play as a team with new teammates.

“I’ve wanted to be a professional footballer since I was 3 years old and I’m still going for the dream. Playing for your country is one of the biggest dreams and that has come true for me. I would love to do that again.”

Left-back Johnstone has five international caps for Scotland after playing for the under-14s and under-15s, and made his debut against Canada. He received the news of his first call-up by email on the day he moved to the UAE in August 2023. He travels regularly to Scotland for training camps and matches.

He said: “At first I was nervous when I made my debut because I didn’t want to make any mistakes, but those nerves gradually went as the game progressed and I became more confident.

“It’s a great feeling to have played for my country and I’m happy to still be