For Usman Safi, brave thinking isn't an option. Hounded by Al-Qaeda because of his parents’ work in education and politics, Usman’s family fled from their Afghanistan home, on foot, horseback and even donkeys. Taking refuge in the relative safety of Peshawar, Pakistan, Usman and his brothers noticed the strange game of cricket played daily on the streets and in the muddied fields. 

Taking up bat and ball, the brothers were soon sought-after team members until their refuge was again interrupted, this time by threats from the Taliban, followed by the killing of their father’s cousin. Again, the family was forced to flee. For Usman, bravery is an everyday occurrence.

Arriving in Australia in 2011 Usman and brothers Uzair and Luqman began playing grade cricket at Flinders Park and Woodville. Usman’s talent for staying positive and making the most of every opportunity enabled him to develop his skills as a medium-paced all-rounder. Then at the age of 19, he was selected as the Adelaide Strikers’ Community Rookie for the Big Bash League. 

The drive Usman has shown to succeed in cricket isn't limited to the sports field. The flexibility demanded of an all-rounder led Usman to take the leap into education. Usman, who speaks four languages the last of which is English, took the opportunity offered by Flinders bridging Foundation Studies program to gain the prequisites required by the Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity. A 50:50 mix of physical education and Health Science theory, Usman believes the course will give him options in the future.

“For me, staying positive is the best part of life”. 

“I love all aspects of cricket. If playing the game doesn’t work out I want to be involved as a tour manager, maybe a coach and in youth preparation”.

For Usman brave thinking and taking the most from every opportunity at Flinders go hand in glove.