A inspirational 79-year-old footballer who has survived two heart attacks says he has no intentions of retiring just yet.

Yakub Bhola also walked several miles a day after morning prayers up until recently and said as a younger man he was never much of a footballer.

He is now described as ‘Blackburn’s Rock’ for his defensive attributes at their local walking football game every Wednesday.

He told us: “I used to play when I was younger back in Zambia but then this opportunity came along and I decided to give it a go again. I am enjoying it very much and football is great for staying fit and active.

“My son and my family have been really supportive and encourage me a lot.”

The walking football group was started by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust supported by AHF FC in 2019. Very quickly the numbers grew and now up to 30 men attend every week. 

They began by playing in their traditional clothes but now the community trust has supplied them with a coach and T-shirts. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Yakub plays football with his team-mates, many of whom are a lot younger than him and in their fifties, at Pleckgate High School, Blackburn. He said: “I am the oldest player there. I started off playing as a striker and was doing pretty well if I may say so. I picked up some man of the match awards. I have settled back into defence now.

“I have been talking to others at my local mosque to come and play too. Some of them say they have no idea how to play football. But I tell them it does not matter. They will soon get the hang of it like I did.

“I am really thankful for them putting this on for older players. It has helped us all a lot.”

Yakub came to the UK in 1989. He had earlier suffered his first heart attack in 1985 at the age 43 in Zambia and then again two years later. “When I came here for the first time it was far too cold. I was told I needed a heart bypass and I was operated on in 2002.”

He has had a total of three operations to unblock arteries.

Yasir Sufi from AHF FC said: “As with everything else with Covid they couldn’t play anymore but every single week they were asking when they could play again. It’s so good to see how beneficial it is for their physical, mental and social wellbeing. 

“The games are always competitive and it’s not always ‘walking’ football. 

“We’re looking to go back indoors in September but would love if a local business could support us so they can play every week. Also, anyone who thinks their dad, uncle, or grandad could benefit from coming please get in touch with AHF FC on Facebook or Instagram.”

Father of three and grandad to nine, Yakub, said he was hoping to continue playing for as long as he can. “The future is in the hands of Allah. If Allah wishes anything to happen then it will happen. People should live life to the full as much as they can.”

Anyone wanting to join the team can call 07866 510185.