Nur Lyana Soberi is making waves in the football scene, with discussions swirling around her potential and recent accolades. At just 24, she's already represented the country three times in three different sports. We seized the opportunity to sit down with her and delve into these topics, along with her football journey, future aspirations, and her unique experiences, including her time in Kosovo.
Take us back to those days when you were a kid growing up, how did football first come into your life?
I began my football journey at the age of 10, joining in with the older boys in my neighbourhood just to enjoy some time outside. It was all about having fun back then. But around age 12, I discovered my passion for hockey and dedicated myself to the sport until I turned 18. The highlight of my hockey career was being selected for the junior national team for the Asia Junior Cup – a moment that filled me with joy and pride. However, fate had other plans for me. One day, on a whim, I decided to try my hand at football. I attended a trial and was thrilled to be chosen to represent Kedah. My first taste of competitive football came at the Piala Tun Sharifah Rodziah in Sarawak back in 2017.
How did it feel playing your first tournament in Sarawak? Did that experience motivate and inspire you even more?
I didn't feel anything particularly special at the time, but I've always been fiercely competitive and thrive on the challenges of competition. Despite that, our team performed surprisingly well. Unfortunately, my journey was cut short in the semi-finals due to a severe ankle injury. Although it was a setback, it only fueled my determination to push forward. I had a chance to represent my country at the SEA Games, but I had to focus on my recovery instead. However, this setback ultimately motivated me to work even harder. The following year, I was honoured with another opportunity to compete, this time at the AFF Women's Championship in Indonesia. It was my first international tournament and a memory I'll cherish forever.
I began my football journey at the age of 10, joining in with the older boys in my neighbourhood just to enjoy some time outside. It was all about having fun back then. But around age 12, I discovered my passion for hockey and dedicated myself to the sport until I turned 18. The highlight of my hockey career was being selected for the junior national team for the Asia Junior Cup – a moment that filled me with joy and pride. However, fate had other plans for me. One day, on a whim, I decided to try my hand at football. I attended a trial and was thrilled to be chosen to represent Kedah. My first taste of competitive football came at the Piala Tun Sharifah Rodziah in Sarawak back in 2017.
How did it feel playing your first tournament in Sarawak? Did that experience motivate and inspire you even more?
I didn't feel anything particularly special at the time, but I've always been fiercely competitive and thrive on the challenges of competition. Despite that, our team performed surprisingly well. Unfortunately, my journey was cut short in the semi-finals due to a severe ankle injury. Although it was a setback, it only fueled my determination to push forward. I had a chance to represent my country at the SEA Games, but I had to focus on my recovery instead. However, this setback ultimately motivated me to work even harder. The following year, I was honoured with another opportunity to compete, this time at the AFF Women's Championship in Indonesia. It was my first international tournament and a memory I'll cherish forever.
So, you're involved in hockey, football, and even futsal? Being a three-sport athlete is quite impressive. Could you share more about your journey in futsal?
I took a break from football in 2019 and decided to give futsal a serious try. I'm not entirely sure why, maybe it's my competitive nature and my desire to prove myself. I joined the Perak futsal team, but there was a dilemma because of a rule that only allowed players to choose either futsal or football, which I found frustrating. During the lockdown due to COVID-19, I received a surprise call-up for an Asia Cup qualifier against Palestine, which we won 2-0 thanks to Andrea and Steffi's amazing goals. Following that, I continued with futsal, this time with Melaka, and competed in the Malaysia Premier Futsal League, leading to my selection for the Vietnam SEA Games. After the SEA Games, I realized that football is truly my passion and returned to it. It wasn't an easy decision, but representing my country in three different sports is a dream come true for me. I owe a lot to my family, coaches, and teammates for their sacrifices and support. I'll always be grateful to them and strive to achieve even more in the future.
Recalling your experiences with KFF Presingu, what memories come to mind, and what aspects of Kosovo do you miss the most?
It was truly an eye-opening experience, and I'm grateful to have shared it with Zurin. The weather was quite extreme, and it took some time for my body to adjust. Surprisingly, it was the first time in my football career that I genuinely enjoyed playing in the afternoon. The challenge was real, facing opponents who were physically stronger and competing against players from Europe's top leagues. Off the field, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of navigating the town without safety concerns. While rice was hard to come by, the chicken curry sandwich and Jana's peach tea were absolute delights. I'll miss it all, and I hope to have the opportunity to visit Kosovo again soon.
The women’s game has come on a lot in the last few years, but has there been a time when you stopped and reflected on the highs and the lows to see where you’ve got to?
I've dedicated considerable time to reflecting on my experiences and envisioning my future path. My competitive spirit drives me to continuously push boundaries and strive for more. Football isn't just a passion, it's my life. With the right mindset, prayers, and blessings from Allah, I am confident that I can achieve even greater heights. Failure is not a setback but an opportunity for growth and learning, and I'll never shy away from embracing it.
Could you share the most challenging experience you’ve faced as a women’s footballer, and how do you believe those in charge of the sport can work towards resolving such issues?
One of the most challenging experiences I've encountered thus far is traveling abroad and being separated from my family. Thoughts of them constantly occupy my mind, but I understand that it's a necessary part of pursuing my dreams. I firmly believe that achieving one's aspirations often requires making sacrifices, and I acknowledge that the journey won't always be easy.
What are your future plans? Do you intend to defend the FAWSL title with MBSJ FC?
Winning the FASWL was no easy feat, but defending the title adds an extra layer of challenge. However, I have full confidence in our team's capabilities this year. With the right mindset and determination, I firmly believe we have what it takes to secure victory once again.
What’s the greatest thing about being Lyana Soberi right now?
At this point in my life, I owe a lot to my parents for their constant support and blessings. Since day one, they've been my biggest cheerleaders, always there to lift me up and guide me forward. Their unwavering belief in me fuels my drive to succeed, and I'm committed to making them proud no matter what. I'm also incredibly grateful for the support I receive from my coaches and teammates. Their encouragement and camaraderie have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Together, we've achieved milestones, but there's still so much more to strive for. With their backing and my determination, I'm ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.
Making a Difference.
Women's Football Matter.