Athlete Spotlight: Iddi Ramadhani

JAMESTOWN -- Jamestown soccer standout Iddi Ramadhani will admit he hasn’t really adjusted to North Dakota winters since moving here midway through his freshman year.
His adjustment on the pitch, however, is another story.
Ramadhani has been one of the most dynamic players in the WDA over the past two seasons and is a big reason why the Blue Jay program has been flying high.
“One of Iddi’s biggest strengths is his vision,’’ Jamestown coach Brandy Harty said. “He sees the field so well and is able to connect with his teammates.”
Just a few moments of observing him in action will reveal his talents. His quickness and ball handling enable him to use a variety of moves to evade defenders and create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. 
Iddi was born in Tanzania and was introduced to the sport at an early age by his uncle. The family eventually moved to California when he was seven. Ramadhani played soccer in California during his youth and middle school years and his role was more of a defensive player.
That changed when he came to Jamestown. “(Here) I’m an attacking midfielder and my role is to score,’’ Ramadhani said. “My best skill is my footwork.”
And the offense has come. Iddi netted four points during his sophomore season in WDA matches. That total jumped to 13 a year ago, including seven goals. Already this season he has matched that goal output with over half of the season to play.
During the summer Iddi was invited to play club soccer in Fargo and that enabled him to face good competition and hone his skills. The all-state selection from 2023 also completed strength training through the high school.
Harty said teams are well aware of Iddi’s talents and will attempt to take time and space away from him when he has possession of the ball. However, that tactic allows other Jamestown players to get open and have room to attack. And the Blue Jays have other capable skilled players who will take advantage.
Iddi was a quiet, lead-by-example player when he joined the program. Harty said he has become more vocal. “Observing this side of Iddi has been fun to watch,’’ she said. “It means he is very comfortable with his teammates and his position.”Last season was a banner season for the program which included a shared conference regular season title and a first-ever quarterfinal victory at the state tournament. The team has sights set on more accomplishments in 2024.
Harty said the squad has developed a lot of chemistry over the past two seasons and the hard work is paying off. 
Iddi is hoping th future will include soccer at the collegiate level. For now, his focus is his final season in the Blue Jays program. “I just want to support my team the best I can,’’ he said.