Solomon Salaam Continuing Family Legacy
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Solomon Salaam is determined to continue his family’s rich football legacy after impressing during the recent Caribbean Football Union [CFU] Challenge Series in Trinidad and Tobago,.
Salaam played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the final of the regional competition, losing on penalties to Barbados, and believes the talented group are destined for more greater on the international stage.
“The tournament was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot from it,” Salaam told Bernews.
“I learned how the game is played in other countries and realised how good we are compared to other teams in our region. Hopefully this group can stay together and achieve great things.”
The 14-year-old attends the Harris City Academy Crystal Palace in London has recently joined the Junior Elite FC in South East London; however, his journey began much earlier at North Village, where his love for football was first nurtured.
Two of his uncles, Dwayne “Liquid” Bean and the late Wali Salaam, represented both the Bermuda national team and Devonshire Cougars. His father, Jamal Salaam, also played for Cougars.
Adding further significance to his family’s legacy, Solomon is the great-grandson of the late Dudley Eve, a pioneer who helped establish the island’s first racially integrated football league.
“My dad coached my under-7 team to the Kappa Classic title and sends me lots of videos on Instagram on how I can be a better footballer,” the former Whitney Institute Middle School student said.
His football lineage extends even further, with his older cousin, Jekai Eve, also representing Bermuda at the youth level.
Salaam, an elegant centre half who can also play as a holding midfielder, has worked under some of the island’s top coaches, including Andrew Bascome, Dennis Brown, and Kenny Thompson.
Additionally, he sharpened his skills at the Bermuda Brazilian Football School and through the CP Athletic Development Academy futsal programme.
Despite his growing list of accomplishments, Salaam remains grounded and focused on his future.
“I want to become a professional player and hope all of my friends [from Bermuda Under-14] can turn professional too,” he added.
“I’m staying humble. I don’t want to get too confident after one tournament.”
