Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of Makkah and Madinah

IIn the sacred streets of Makkah and Madinah, where millions of pilgrims walk with hearts full of devotion, there exists another kind of hero - humble, unseen (not counting their stand out luminous green uniforms), yet profoundly impactful. The road sweepers, cleaners, and dustmen of the Haramain are the heartbeat behind the purity we witness. Day and night, beneath the golden glow of minarets or the stillness before Fajr, they move silently with their brooms in hand and hearts full of sincerity.

These men work some of the longest shifts, often from dusk till dawn, ensuring that every pilgrim’s experience is one of beauty and serenity. They sweep, collect, sort, and wash, turning chaos into calm. Despite modest wages, their warmth and humility radiate. They greet with smiles, never asking for money, embodying the essence of service. As visitors, tipping them is not charity but appreciation, a nod to their quiet excellence.

In October 2025 alone all records were smashed as nearly 12 million (11.7)  people performed Umrah.

Imagine the waste - millions of plastic bottles, wrappers, and cups. Yet the cities remain spotless, glowing like jewels. These workers form the invisible backbone of that miracle.

Globally, the world produces over 400 million tonnes of plastic each year, much of it ending up in oceans and landfills. But here, in the Haramain, we witness what responsibility looks like in action with faith meeting function, worship meeting work ethic.

As a Litter Heroes Ambassador I have a keen interest in all this, and I’ve spoken to many of these remarkable individuals.

Five truths I’ve learned:

1. Dedication is silent consistency.

2. Sincerity transforms any task into worship.

3. Responsibility is global, not local.

4. Respect starts with the smallest gesture.

5. Gratitude is the foundation of stewardship.

Cleanliness is half of faith, and these heroes embody that truth. In their humble uniforms, they remind us that caring for the Earth is an act of worship. Let’s honour them, learn from them, and become the custodians our planet deserves.

Sweeping with pride their hearts shine

In sacred streets their souls align

With every move their hands inspire

Shuffling feet that never tire 

#litterheroes #umrah #umrah2025 #makkah #madinah #thewanderinglondoner 

Atlas Cubs Crowned World Champions

Under 20 World Cup Final

Argentina 0-2 Morocco

In Santiago’s dusk the Atlas Cubs took flight

Their hearts ablaze beneath the crimson flame

The stars of Africa danced through the night

History bowed to whisper Morocco’s name

Yanis Benchaouch, a guardian brave and tall

Gloves kissed by turf, by thunder and by cheer

He soared through storms, defying every fall

Each save he made drew silence near

Ismaël Baouf patrolled the shadowed wing

Sliding steel where the brave dare tread

Ali Maamar’s lungs made freedom sing

Through roaring lungs and courage fed

Fouad Zahouani’s timing cold as stone

A tackle, clean and pure, no mercy’s trace

Takha Majni’s right flank a world of his own

Each stride a verse, each cross an embrace

Yassine Khalifi painted passes gold

With compass feet he shaped the field

Naim Byar’s press was fierce and bold

No rival’s rhythm left unconcealed

Hossam Essadak, a tireless drum

He powered the pivot, broke and fed

Saad El Haddad’s bursts would always come

To stir the pulse when dreams had fled

Gessime Yassine from the right did dart

A phantom blur, defenders spun

His crosses curled like works of art

Each movement sung beneath the sun

And Yassir Zabiri; the striker’s flame

He bent the free kick through Santiago’s sky

Two goals that sealed Morocco’s fame

And made the lion cubs learn to fly

Against Argentina’s storied might

They stood unmoved, their souls ablaze

Benchaouch leapt to save the night

And Maamar’s block drew endless praise

Zahouani cleared where danger slept

Majni swept low through dust and dream

Byar pressed high, and none were swept

Khalifi danced with fire’s gleam

Then came the whistle, that final cry

Red and green flew wild, untamed

Tears met the Chilean sky

As Morocco’s youth the world proclaimed.

The medals shone, the anthem soared

From Casablanca to Marrakech street

Each name forever now adored

Their boots have carved eternal beat

Yanis, Ibrahim, Abdelhakim’s grace

Ismaël, Ali, Fouad, Takha in flame

Hossam, Saad, Yassine’s chase

Naim, Othmane, Zabiri’s name

From desert dust to global stage,

The Atlas Cubs rewrote the lore,

Their hearts the ink, the world their page,

Morocco crowned, forevermore.

number7

emdad rahman

England And Wales Remember

England 3-0 Wales

Wembley lights, a shining sea

For minds that drift, for memory

Mascots walked, their courage shown

No one faces this alone.

Names erased from every shirt

To show the loss, the hidden hurt

England three, and Wales still roar

Rogers, Saka and Watkins score

But goals fade fast, the message stays

Love remembers through the haze

Carers, families, friends stand near

Holding hope when minds aren’t clear

Tonight we cheer, but more, we vow 

To stand with all affected now

number7

emdad rahman 

Jagannathpur Make History in Epic Upazila Cup Triumph

 

Emdad Rahman

The first ever Open Age Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup concluded in spectacular fashion, with Jagannathpur scripting history by lifting the trophy and going the entire tournament without conceding a single goal from open play. 

The two day footballing spectacle, hosted at the Bobby Moore Pavilion and and concluding at the iconic Mile End Stadium, was a contest of skill and a celebration of heritage, unity, and grassroots brilliance.

In the final, Jagannathpur delivered a professional performance to overcome a valiant Gulapganj side 2-0. Zain Haque opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the first half of extra time before Abdul-Kaium Ali sealed the victory late on. With disciplined defending, fluid attacking play, and a tactical masterclass from Head Coach Kamal Khan, Jagannathpur not only won the trophy but left an indelible mark on community football.

“I’m incredibly proud of these boys,” said Khan. “This was about representing our people with pride, passion, and purpose. We’ve shown what can be achieved through hard work and unity.”

The tournament, brilliantly organised by Sonali Othith, saw thousands of football lovers descend on th sports venues across two days, and treated to heart stopping drama, exquisite goals, and spirited rivalries steeped in tradition.

Jagannathpur’s road to glory included a dramatic penalty shootout win over a highly fancied Sylhet Sadar side in the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, Gulapganj reached the final thanks to a jaw dropping solo goal by Arman Zaman, who weaved through defenders before coolly slotting home against Moulvibazar – It was one of the moments of the tournament.

“This tournament showed how powerful sport can be in bringing people together,” said Joynal Abdin Miah, Secretary of Sonali Othith. “We saw family, friends, elders, and youth cheering together in one space. Football was the language and everyone spoke it.”

The Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup was a tournament and a cultural showcase all in one, highlighting the rich footballing DNA of the British Bangladeshi community, blending flair and fight with unity and purpose. 

Organisers, referees, volunteers, and players all played their part in what many described as a “festival of football.”

The upshot? Community tournaments like this are the lifeblood of grassroots football. At a time when the game is increasingly commercialised, events like the Upazila Cup restore faith in its power to uplift, to inspire, and to heal. For second and third generation British Bangladeshis, these tournaments are powerful reminders of their roots, creating a bridge between the past and the future.

Congratulations to Sonali Othith for hosting a landmark event that has set a new benchmark. The next stop is the highly anticipated Veterans Upazila Cup, which returns to Mabley Green on August 24th. If the Open Age event is anything to go by, we’re in for another unforgettable chapter.

Let’s celebrate the organisers, the players, and most of all, the supporters, because without community, football is just a game. With it, it becomes a legacy.

Team London Lift Inter City Cup

Muhammad Talha

Sunday 27th July 2025 – Rising Stars Sports Academy, Birmingham

After an eight month long season Team London were crowned Inter City Bangla Cup Champions 2025 after a thrilling final day at Game Day 8, hosted by the Birmingham Bengal Legends. The atmosphere was electric as Birmingham, Kent, Sussex, Essex, Luton, and London battled it out over a day of 11 a side games. 

London’s campaign started strong with a gritty 1-0 win over Luton, Abdul Khaher netting the decisive goal. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Kent followed, but London rallied when it mattered most, securing the title with a commanding 2-0 win over hosts and runners up Birmingham - both goals coming from captain Aktar Hussain, and expertly assisted by Sherif Ahmed.

Elsewhere, KSE and Birmingham played out a tense goalless draw, before KSE comfortably beat Luton 8-1 to claim third place. Every team brought passion, flair, and veteran grit to a fitting season finale.

The Inter City Bangla Cup has become a beacon for unity, fitness, and mental wellbeing. It has reignited a love for football among veteran footballers, extending playing careers and reconnecting communities through sport.

The event concluded with a lavish celebratory dinner and presentation at the Badshah Palace, reflecting Birmingham’s flawless hospitality.

Mamun Uddin of Team London, who launched the Inter City League commented, “We’re still writing our story. Age is no barrier when your heart beats for the game. This championship has reignited something special in all of us.”

Captain and ICBC Golden Boot winner Aktar Hussain said, “This win is for every player who refused to hang up their boots. London stood tall today.”

Coach Emdad Rahman added, “Football is ageless and this league proves that passion never retires. Many of these players thought their days on the pitch were over, but here they are, playing with pride, competing hard, and inspiring the next generation. This Championship has given us purpose.”

Team London – Inter City Bangla Cup Champions

Md Raqeeb Shamim, Saiful Islam, Mamun Uddin, Sherif Ahmed, Saim Hussain, Kamruz Zaman, Akbal Ahmed, Anamul Hoque, Sana Miah, Masud Miah, Helal Uddin, Saad Miah, Mofojul Ali, Masum Ahmed, Nasim Ahmed, Aktar Hussain

Head Coach: Emdad Rahman

 

Liverpool: Premier League Champions 2024/25

 

Crowned at Anfield 

Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham

Anfield roared, the banners flew

Spurs in town, the title due

For Ange, all this a boyhood dream

Now faced the might of Slot’s Red team

Solanke rose, the old ties strong

A headed goal, a jarring song

Yet Liverpool, with spirit bold

Refused to bend, refused to fold

Diaz danced and struck with fire

Mac Allister with a strike to admire

The corner teased, the winds did play

But Gakpo wrote his golden day

Through swirling breeze and sea of red

Salah flew and the back four fled

Cutting inside, a Kop end scream

That selfie sealed a lifelong dream

Udogie’s slip, the fifth went in

A rout, a race, a season’s win

Champions crowned with flair and grace

Anfield is a special place

Under Slot, the Reds grew tight

Brotherhood of fire and fight

Now history, with ink still wet

Records etched they won’t forget

Spirit deep as rivers wide

They wore their badge with boundless pride

From August sun to April rain

They ruled the league and ruled again

#thewanderinglondoner 

emdad rahman