Aneeka Discusses Selangor, Velocity Academy, and Her Passion for Carles Puyol.

Aneeka Discusses Selangor, Velocity Academy, and Her Passion for Carles Puyol.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Selangor? Is it the football, the culture, or the vibe of the fans?
Selangor instills a culture of hard work and results-driven play. There’s always an emphasis on improving with each game, and every player shows up ready to deliver, playing with passion and commitment. The team’s focus on working hard and supporting each other reflects in the atmosphere created by the fans as well. This mentality contributes to the overall culture of Selangor football.
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If your football career had a soundtrack, what would be the top 3 tracks? And why?
"Confident" – Demi Lovato
"Thunderstruck" – AC/DC
"Seven Nation Army" – The White Stripes
The lyrics of the tracks are pretty straightforward in the meaning that they carry. They speak of resilience and the beat gets the adrenaline up
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Style on the pitch or off the pitch? Which one do you think defines you more? What’s your go-to outfit when you’re not in football gear?
I literally live, breathe, and sleep jerseys, so my style on the pitch is definitely a big part of who I am. It reflects my identity as a football player. However, on the rare occasion, I do enjoy wearing dresses.
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Every athlete has a defining moment of struggle. Can you share a time when you really had to fight through adversity, either physically or mentally, to keep pushing forward?
I started playing at the age of 7 with the Supergirls, a Subang Jaya Community Club (SJCSC) for girls. At 8, I joined an all-boys team, Destiny Football Development Centre (DFDC), which quickly became my home club. I’ve been training there for over 7 years now. Initially, it was nerve-wracking because I was the only girl in the academy, and being an introvert made it even harder to fit in. At that time, girls’ teams were rare, but I’m grateful for the teammates and coaches who welcomed and encouraged me. Unfortunately, there were a few who made me feel inadequate simply because of my gender. Nevertheless, I trained hard and gave my best in the boys’ tournaments the team participated in. One of the most defining moments in my career was a trip to Germany with the U14 boys’ team for a series of friendlies and scouting matches against U15 teams from Germany and France. Being the only girl on the team again, I saw it as my opportunity to prove myself. The experience of playing alongside European boys, who train at a higher level, was invaluable, and I had an amazing time. It wasn’t always easy, and there were moments when I questioned my path, but as they say, "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. " That trip not only built my resilience but also helped me realize that gender doesn’t define my game. What matters is playing to the best of my ability. With a strong support system behind me, I’ve only continued to move forward.
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Everyone has a "hero" moment. What’s your most memorable moment on the field that made you feel like you were on top of the world?
Although I’m relatively new to Velocity Academy, I’ve grown with my teammates in a short amount of time. They’ve been incredibly welcoming and have placed great emphasis on unity. The club has taught me the other side of football—respect, equality, and inclusivity. When I was given the captain’s armband, it wasn’t just a singular moment but a culmination of the entire experience of being part of this team. The trust they placed in me was exhilarating, and it motivated me to do even more for the team.
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Footballers are known for having unique superstitions or rituals before a big game. Do you have any pre-match routines that are non-negotiable for you?
I always put my left shin pad on before my right.
Social media plays a big role in how athletes engage with fans.
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How do you balance keeping it real with your followers while maintaining privacy?
Social media can be tricky to navigate. I prefer to share my daily routines, like meal preps and training photos, while keeping more private matters, especially family-related content, out of the public eye. There’s a balance between sharing enough to engage with my audience and protecting my personal life. I still keep my account private because of my age, but when I decide to adjust those settings in the future, I aim to share content that is relatable and hopefully inspiring—without oversharing personal details.
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Who’s your football idol? Was there a moment when you watched them play and thought, “That’s what I want to do”?
Carles Puyol’s goal-saving block against Lokomotiv Moscow is a moment that truly resonates with me. The way he stood firm at the goalpost, making a desperate block and sacrificing his body, symbolizes everything I strive for when I’m on the pitch. He gave it his all, no matter the circumstances, and that mentality is something I channel when I play for my team. (Watch the moment here: Carles Puyol Block vs Lokomotiv Moscow)
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Let’s talk about the Selangor squad – any players you think are low-key underrated but definitely make a huge impact on the team?
There are a number of players on the team who are underrated, but I’m confident it’s only a matter of time before they get the recognition they deserve.
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As we look towards the future, what are some of your biggest goals or dreams for 2025? Whether it’s on the pitch, in your personal life, or beyond football – what’s next for you?
2025 is going to be a big year for me. I’m focused on working harder on the pitch, especially after my recent call-up to the National U17 Women’s Team. I plan to perform with dedication and passion, and I’m excited about the journey ahead, particularly with Selangor. Off the pitch, I’ll be completing my IGCSE exams and preparing for college or university. It’s a year I expect to experience significant personal growth, both in football and in life.
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