🧐 Dark horse? Exclusive interview with Two Stripes’ top scorer | OneFootball

When discussing the favorites of the current Icon League season, the names Berlin City, DNA Athletics, and perhaps The Pack or FC OneFootball are mentioned first.

One team is usually left out: Two Stripes United. Yet, Robert Andrich and Felix Kroos's team hasn't lost a single game in regular time. They suffered two defeats in overtime, but after 24 minutes, no opponent stood as the winner. Two Stripes United has arrived.

What has changed? What makes the team strong? And what's behind the special goal celebration of Kaies Alaisame, the team's top scorer? The 23-year-old told us in an exclusive interview.

Kaies Alaisame scores like clockwork

The native Syrian joined Two Stripes in the second season and scored eleven goals back then. Currently, he stands at eight goals and led his team to victory as MVP in the last game. If he maintains his pace, his personal best will soon fall.

One of the reasons: the new tactical approach. Unlike last season, the offensive players now have more freedom. This is reflected in the numbers: After seven games, the team has scored only three fewer goals than in the entire previous season.

“I now have the freedom to dribble more and seek 1-on-1 situations,” says Alaisame. And hardly anyone stops him with the ball at his feet.

Strong new additions – both athletically and personally

The new additions have further strengthened Two Stripes. But quality wasn't the only criterion. “The focus was especially on the human aspect,” emphasizes Alaisame. The team is “like a family – on and off the field.”

At the same time, the footballing level increased: With Bilal El Morabiti and Thomas Sonntag, two experienced Icon League players joined. They were joined by Gabriel Oliveira, captain of the German futsal national team. Each one has long been a key player.

Balance of youth and experience

Two Stripes unites young and old. The 19-year-old Ruben Bruss, voted ‘Rookie of the Season’ last season, has been on the field in every match. He is accompanied by veterans like Björn Kluft or Vendim Sinani. They lead the young players – with commitment and as role models.

“When you see Kluft tackle twice in a row, you want to give even more yourself,” says Alaisame.

Sinani himself impresses as a thinker in the game setup. Almost 200 successful passes reflect his vision. “You hear him throughout the entire hall,” Alaisame says laughing. “Often he talks more than our coach.”

Sinani sets the pace with his style. Two Stripes can keep the ball running for minutes – securely, precisely, patiently. So much so that a new rule was even introduced: ‘Passive Play’. Whoever circulates the ball passively in their own half for too long loses possession. Yet even this restriction doesn't slow down Two Stripes.

A celebration with meaning

When Alaisame scores, his special celebration follows – wordless, but unmistakable: eyes closed, one hand over the mouth, the other at the ear.

📸 Max Galys

When Alaisame came to Germany in 2017, he had to endure a lot. “Many wanted to put me down,” he says. Today, he shows them week after week: He doesn't see them, he doesn't hear them, he doesn't speak to them.

A sign of strength. A celebration with a goosebump effect.

But the celebration is not just directed at those from the past. Even today, there are negative voices – people who want to hold you back. Alaisame wants to set an example: for all those who want good. His celebration is meant to remind them not to listen to the negative, not to look at it, not to react.

The goal is the Final 6

Two Stripes is in second place – the foundation is laid. The goal is clear: the Final 6. Kroos has also set this unambiguously for the team.

And with Alaisame in this form, his celebration might be seen many more times.

What do you think: Does Two Stripes have a chance at the title? Write it in the comments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.