Nasha Dulco: My Malaysian Dream

To start us off, Nasha, could you introduce yourself to those who are just meeting you? Tell us a bit about your roots and the journey that led you to where you are today.
My name is Nasha Abdul Wahab, I’m 14 years old, and I live in Brussels, Belgium. I’m Italian on my mother’s side and Malaysian on my father’s side. My paternal grandfather is originally from Segamat, Malaysia, which makes that connection very special to me.

I discovered football when I was four and a half years old. At five, I joined a small local boys’ club. When I was ten, I moved to a girls’ team, and at thirteen, I changed clubs to compete in the Elite WU14 championship.

Today, I proudly play for Union Saint-Gilloise in the WU16 Elite team.

Football often starts with a single moment or a person who inspires us. How did you first discover the game, and at what point did you realize it was more than just a hobby for you?
I didn’t really have one specific person who inspired me in the beginning. My parents simply noticed that I always had a ball in my hands and that I loved playing with my dad. One day, they signed me up for a discovery day, and I immediately fell in love with football. After that, they registered me at a small club where a friend of my father was coaching and since then, I’ve never stopped playing.

As I grew older, I realized that football was much more than just a hobby. It became a true passion and an essential part of who I am.

Every player has a unique ‘signature’ on the pitch. How would you describe your style of play to someone who hasn’t seen you live, and is there a specific position where you feel most at home?
I’ve mostly played in defensive positions, but I also often play in midfield. Midfield is actually where I feel the most free to express myself and be creative. My strengths are my technique, my shooting ability, my long passes, and my ability to take on and beat opponents.

If I had to describe my signature on the pitch, it would be my determination. I never give up. I also love working on my technique, especially juggling, which I feel very comfortable with.

Being part of a historic club like Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at such a young age is incredible. How has the experience been so far, and what is the atmosphere like within the ladies’ team?
It’s a real honor to play for Union Saint-Gilloise. My integration into the team has gone very well, and I feel truly supported. I’m also fortunate that my father is coaching this season, which gives me extra structure and guidance. The atmosphere within the group is very positive, and I truly believe the future of the women’s section is very promising.

Your Instagram bio proudly mentions your dream of representing Malaysia. It’s a goal that has a lot of fans excited! Have there been any conversations or steps taken toward making that debut a reality yet?
My biggest dream is to one day play for the Malaysian national team, the Tigresses. Representing Malaysia would mean so much to me and to my family.

I’m very touched and grateful for the enthusiasm from the fans. We’ve already had some contact with someone from the federation, but I believe everything should happen at the right time. I’m still young, and I want to keep working hard without rushing the process.

What does wearing the Malaysian colors mean to you personally, and what kind of impact do you hope to make on the future of women’s football in the country?
In my family, we’ve always maintained a strong connection with Malaysia. I often think about how lucky I am to have this double culture. Not everyone has that opportunity, and I feel very grateful for it.

My father also dreamed of playing in Malaysia but never had the opportunity. My uncle, however, was able to train with Johor. My goal would be to help put Malaysia on the map at the highest level — maybe even by qualifying for a World Cup one day. That would be a dream come true.

The path of a footballer isn’t always smooth—it comes with its share of hurdles. What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced so far, and how did you find the strength to push through it?
In Belgium, women’s football is quite well developed, so I haven’t faced major difficulties so far. The only place where it can sometimes be more challenging is at school. There aren’t many girls who play football, and most of the players are boys. Sometimes, you can feel judged or underestimated. My strength has been to ignore the criticism and keep moving forward without letting it affect me.

Behind every athlete is a support system that keeps them grounded. Is there anyone in particular who has been your ‘rock’ during this journey? This is a great moment to share a message with them if you’d like.
My parents are always there to help me stay grounded, to comfort me, and to motivate me during difficult moments. I’m lucky that my father is a UEFA B coach, so he knows how to guide and advise me in the right way.

The message I would like to share is a huge thank you to my entire family, on both my mother’s and father’s side. They have always supported and encouraged me, and I wouldn’t be here without them.

Lastly, you’re gaining a lot of admirers both in Europe and back in Malaysia. Do you have a message for the young girls looking up to you, and for the fans who are cheering you on from across the miles?
To young girls, I would say: do what you love, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with the right people who lift you up. And to the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will continue to give everything I have to achieve my goals. Your support means more to me than you can imagine.