From soccer to reality TV programmes, this teenager’s definitely got what it takes to shine.
IF things had gone according to plan, Muhammad Alif Mohd Satar, 18, would probably be in a football academy overseas or in flight training school by now.
However, other things were written in the stars and a chance participation in reality television showed him where his true passion lay.
Today, the television host-cum-actor-cum-singer is living the dream of many teenagers, cutting albums and rubbing shoulders with stars in the local entertainment industry.
And he is still in college.
“I originally wanted to be a pilot,” muses the former SMK Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, student.
“I love travelling and in that profession, the sky is the limit — literally.
“However, I have always dabbled in many things and my ambition changes as I find new interests. I was encouraged to get my hands dirty and learn through experimentation. In fact, I could have become a footballer.”
Blessed with quick feet and good ball control, Muhammad Alif was one of five Malaysian children selected for a training stint with Manchester United Soccer School in Britain in 2000.
There, he met United cult heroes Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Wes Brown and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“Meeting them was one of the highlights of my time there,” he continues.
“I’m a Manchester United fan and all of us love Solksjaer as he was the one who scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final.”
Although he has since dropped the turf for the comfort of recording studios, Muhammad Alif still keeps football close to his heart. There was a reunion of sorts when he was selected to host the 10-episode Super Soccer Star — Malaysia’s first reality football television show.
“The show was meant to boost the confidence of young Malaysians and encourage them to live their dreams,” says Muhammad Alif.
“The response was overwhelming, with more than 2,000 talented youngsters trying their luck.”
Selection for the best players was done and that figure was whittled down to the top 20.
The show stipulated that the weakest five players had to take part in a penalty shootout, and the bottom two scorers would be eliminated.
“Playing ability was important but it wasn’t the determining factor,” says Muhammad Alif.
“Intelligence and maturity also help athletes weather challenges.
“The participants were required to take up various tasks and attend classes that mirrored the Chelsea training programmes.
“Some of the players already had competitive experience as they were players in their respective district, state, or even national teams.
“However, all rose to the challenges given although some of the national juniors had trouble adapting to their new teammates in the five-a-side test.”
After 10 weeks of training and elimination rounds, the final four were awarded the grand prize of training at Chelsea Football Club’s training academy in Cobham, London.
However, only one won an extended stay and the chance to be a Chelsea youth player.
Hosting the show has left an indelible mark on Muhammad Alif.
“The participants came into the academy as unpolished diamonds but weeks of hard work set them on course to become world-class players,” he says.
“I felt encouraged, just observing them. It showed me that education is a never-ending process — in and out of the classroom.
“It is also the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as I was filming non-stop for three months in the hot sun.
“Once, I even passed out for an hour due to heatstroke.”
Currently studying for a business management diploma at Kolej TAJ, Ipoh, Muhammad Alif is keeping up an amazing balancing act, juggling studies with his career in singing, acting and TV hosting.
“There is no secret to my success,” he muses.
“It all boils down to hard work and patience. I’m something of a late bloomer so I have to sacrifice more time to keep up with the hectic schedule.
“I value education as I don’t want to sing, act and host shows for the rest of my life. We have to be realistic. We all grow old ...
“I plan to have a career in the food industry. My studies will help me achieve that.”
While he certainly has a plan, Alif’s many commitments may have to take a back seat for the time being as he will be signing up for national service in April. However, he is not losing sleep over it.
“I can’t wait to go,” he quips. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. To be honest, I feel it will be a welcome break from show business.”
And will his claim to fame raise eyebrows at boot camp?
“No, I don’t think it will have any effect on the others. I’m a level-headed person, and adapting won’t be a problem.
“Actually, I’m already looking forward to making new friends.”
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