The journey from Hafiz Gariba to the famous youth academy of Barcelona began in the bustling coastal town of Teshie, Ghana.
Gariba was discovered as a promising young defender who played on local pitches and for the first time sharpened his skills at Zinaps FC. His impressive versions caught the attention of Villarreal CF Africa, where he further developed his game.
His breakthrough came to Europe when he earned a place from the prestigious Marcet Soccer Academy. Once he arrived in Spain, the scouts of Barcelona followed the progress of Hafiz closely for months.
Barcelona was fascinated by the technical capacity and calmness of the central defender on the ball and beat. He was offered a three-year-old deal to become a member of the Juvenil B U-18 team in La Masia.
“The first time I heard about Barcelona's interest was on the Marcet Academy. We had a training and then they told me that I was going to Barcelona. I was so happy and my teammates were so happy for me. I called my family and they were so happy to hear the news,” Gariba Flashscore said in an exclusive interview.
For the Ghanaian defender, a lifelong dream fulfilled at Barcelona, which grew up as a dedicated supporter of the club.
“When I was young, I used to wear Barcelona sweaters and one day I told people around me that I will play for Barcelona,” he said.
Arriving in Barcelona meant a milestone for Gariba because he had joined one of Europe's elite youth systems. Nevertheless, adapting life and football in Catalonia was its own challenges.
“In Barcelona there is a big difference. The way we train and the way we play our matches, our tactics, is very different from Africa. It's not easy, but I always work hard on training and give my best.”
His determination and dedication caught the attention of coaches and Gariba began to settle in his role as a defender with a technical advantage.
Last season with the youth side of Barcelona, Gariba made an impression of his calmness on the ball, strength in the tackle and improving game intelligence. He made more than 20 performances for the Juvenil A team, so that they helped the National Youth League and forge a reputation as one of the most reliable central defenders in the academy.
Although he did not make a debut for the Senior Team, his performances did not go unnoticed by technical staff and scouts. Gariba has set his sights on making the first team this season.
“I think this season. When I come back, I will fight. I will fight so that I am recognized and promoted to the senior team.”
The journey of Gariba is inspired by some of the current and emerging stars of Barcelona while dreaming of playing next day next to Pau Cubarsi.
“It is Pau Cubarsi. I see him as my senior and I always learn from him because he is very intelligent. I met him and he is such a modest guy. Lamine Yamal is also a really good player. They are young players playing at the highest level and I look forward to following their footsteps.”
“I look forward to playing with the Senior Team of Barcelona one day. My dream is to play next to Pau Cubarsi. I think he is one of the best defenders in the world,” he added.
The 18-year-old is aware of the levels he has to reach to realize his dream and admits that he is still developing and adapts to Barcelona's construction culture from the back.
“As a defender in Barcelona you need to know how you can feel at ease on the ball. My coach at youth level helped me with my trust on the ball. When the keeper gets the ball like a defender, I have to be ready to receive a pass.”
Last season the senior team came close to the Treble and only missed the Champions League. Gariba is optimistic that the Blaugrana side can win the European Elite competition.
“Last season was so good. Everyone was talking about Barcelona. We came close to the Champions League and I think we should take this year. I am looking forward to being part of this success.”
Although Gariba still has to meet personal head coach Hansi Flick, his admiration is clear.
“I haven't met him yet, but I am looking forward to meeting him one day. He is a good coach and I like how he manages the players. I can't wait to learn from him one day.”
In just over three years, Gariba has been transformed from a young fan in Ghana, proudly wearing Barcelona sweaters and watching their matches on TV, in an important player for their youth team.
His remarkable progress has increasingly closer him to realizing his dream to join the first team of Barcelona. Now that part of the youth setup, he is steadily ahead to that goal, determined to keep knocking on the door of coach Flick until it is opened.
#Owuraku Ampofo