In an exclusive interview with Sports Side, Nizalia Siddiqui, a rising talent in Pakistan’s women’s football, shares her inspiring journey from a late entry into the sport to representing the nation on the field. The young left-back started her football journey at the age of 17 and combines her passion for the sport with ongoing education, defying societal norms that often dictate a choice between academics and athletics.
Late Entry into Football
A late bloomer who embraced the game of football in her late teens, Nizalia Siddiqui reflects,
I am a football player who is also continuing her education. I started football quite late; the first time I played a proper football match was when I was 17 years old
Despite the late start, Nizalia’s passion propelled her to overcome challenges linked with her delayed entry.
Nazila’s Football journey would be interlinked with her education early on as she would start playing Futsal at her school.
I started playing during my A levels through Futsal where we used to have inter-school matches
Nizalia reminisces about her early experiences on the field.
As the football community is very small in Pakistan, I was scouted and was asked to go to National games in Peshawar in 2019 and give trials for Punjab’s team. That’s when I played my first football tournament
Nizalia’s journey continued, facing hurdles during the ban on Pakistan Football, but she emerged stronger, securing a place in the national team after the ban was lifted.
Also Read: Harun Hamid: Pakistan Football’s Beacon – An Exclusive Glimpse into His Journey
Highlander Experience and National Team Dynamics
Nizalia fondly recalls her time at Highlander, emphasizing the positive environment created by young coaches and management.
The environment was great at Highlanders, there was a good understanding between the players and the coaches. We also had experienced players and young players, and were being coached by Coach Waleed,
she shares
highlighting the beneficial mix of young and senior players.
Playing as a left-back, Nizalia describes the positive environment within the national team. “It’s such that everyone can communicate with each other easily,” she notes. “The team welcomes expatriate players and fosters inclusivity to contribute to a supportive atmosphere”.
Nizalia Siddiqui: Balancing Education and Football
Navigating attendance issues during football camps, Nizalia Siddiqui shares,
The issue I face is attendance, especially during football camps, as Pakistani Universities make sure that you maintain 75% attendance.
Despite challenges, she excels in education, maintaining good grades.
Nevertheless, she acknowledges the necessity of both gym workouts and match training to maintain peak fitness, stating,
I can only manage gym or training. But these days, as I am off from University, I can do both. I play for the Smurfs club and train with them as well.
Societal pressures:
In a society where women’s sports face resistance, Nizalia’s safe upbringing allowed her to play outside,
This is a societal issue where women’s sports in general is not accepted But from where I belong, we had a safe environment and I was able to play outside.
Nizalia credits her parents for providing her support and protection from naysayers, as she explains,
People do make up stories, but as my father was also always interested in sports he would often encourage me and give me support along with my mother as well. Any elder who may say something about me playing, my parents would make sure those words do not reach me”
Also Read: Imran Kayani: The British Asian Football Sensation Joining Pakistan’s FIFA Qualifier Journey
Improving Women’s Football in Pakistan
Nizalia highlights the lack of regular championships for women’s football in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for proper leagues to facilitate growth.
You can’t improve as a player without playing throughout the year and not getting practice. The football opportunities for girls don’t really exist. Thus a system needs to be in place, there should be leagues that can help us grow.
she advocates
calling for a system that provides more opportunities for female players.
Nizalia Siddiqui: Aspirations and Role Models
Expressing admiration for the women players of Pakistan, Nizalia praises her teammates in the Pakistan team.
Maria is quite good, then there is Suha as well. Zahmena is also very good, while Aliha also played well
she acknowledges
Nizalia’s journey has been shaped by the inspiration she draws from fellow players.
Message to Young Girls
As Nizalia continues to pave the way, she shares a message to young aspiring females who are looking to play football,
Join a club, even if it’s Futsal, as that way you can start playing. Our captain Maria says one thing which I really like, work for something that you are passionate about, be it sports or whatever it is. So my message is that whatever you do, do it with passion.
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