Congratulations on winning the bronze medal at SUKMA! How was the experience for you? Did you find it enjoyable?
Winning a bronze at SUKMA has been a major achievement for me and my team. The atmosphere at SUKMA is intense, with top-level athletes from all over Malaysia competing fiercely.
It feels like you've been playing for a long time. Can you tell me how it all began? When did you first kick a football?
It all started on a random day when I went to play futsal with my brother. That day sparked my passion for football, and I realized just how much I love the game. I also knew that with my skills, I could go far. From then on, I played futsal with my brother every evening, always competing against boys since no girls were playing at the time.
One day, out of the blue, an aunty who had been watching me play registered my name with a women's football club called Supergirls FC. Supergirls FC has been a big part of my journey, and that aunty, who saw potential in me, was the one who set everything in motion. That’s how my football journey began and brought me to where I am today.
How did you end up studying and playing at SSMP? What influenced your decision to pursue both?
Studying and playing at SSMP has been a fantastic journey, offering the perfect balance between education and athletics. Many factors influence the decision to join SSMP, such as the desire to pursue both academic success and an athletic career, the reputation of the program, and the opportunity to develop skills in both areas. I chose SSMP because it provides an environment that supports athletes by making it easier to balance education and sports. Along the way, I've also been fortunate to have supportive and kind friends who enhance the experience.
What was your experience like at SSMP? Did you enjoy your time in Pahang?
My experience at SSMP has been a unique blend of academic and athletic growth. Being surrounded by fellow athletes and receiving specialized training has created a highly motivating environment. I truly enjoy training with my teammates—it's the best part of my day. Although my schedule is packed, I've managed to handle it well!
Since joining SSMP, I've learned and improved a lot in football, including my gameplay, technique, fitness, and much more. Every Saturday, the girls and I go on outings to unwind and release stress, often heading to the beach to relax and recharge.
You have a smooth style of play and have excelled in various attacking positions. What’s your favorite position, and which player do you model your game after?
My favorite positions are striker and midfielder. Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my inspiration in football, and it's because of him that I started playing the sport. I've been watching all his games since I was six years old, and I'm still a die-hard Ronaldo fan. Lately, I've also been impressed by Lamine Yamal's gameplay.
With SUKMA behind you and the second half of LWN approaching, what are your goals for the rest of 2024?
My goal is to perform well and deliver strong performances in all the LWN games, while continuously improving my gameplay. Even though SSMP has been short on players lately, I still have the drive and determination to play, win, and finish this LWN season strong. I'm training hard with the hope of being called up for the upcoming national games.
What are your long-term goals?
I aim to pursue a professional career in football, with the goal of being called up to the national team. After completing my studies at SSMP, possibly next year, I hope to join a top football club. In the meantime, I'm focused on improving my shooting skills to score more goals in the upcoming LWN games for SSMP.
In your relatively short football career so far, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
In 2020, I suffered an ACL injury during training, which was a major setback for me. After two months of rehab, I decided to undergo ACL surgery. It was an incredibly tough time—I felt really down and missed playing football so much. I ended up resting for almost a year before I could return to the field.
Throughout this challenging period, my family gave me 100% support, boosting my confidence and motivating me to stay focused on my rehab. The rehab journey was difficult, but I pushed myself to stay strong and give my all. I was determined to regain my confidence and get back to the game I love.
This ACL recovery has been one of my greatest comebacks. Despite how hard it was, my love for football and the goals I still wanted to achieve kept me going. I fought through every obstacle to get back on the field, and I’m proud of the dedication I put into my recovery.
When you’re facing difficulties, do you turn to someone for advice or support? Also, who is your closest friend in football?
Yes, during difficult times, I always turn to one of my teammates from SSMP, Nina. Whenever I'm feeling down, she’s the one who gives me moral support and motivates me to keep going. After every match, I usually talk to her about my performance, and she helps point out my mistakes. Nina is one of the reasons I enjoy playing football for SSMP—her support has been invaluable to me.
How much does she mean to you?
She’s like a sister to me and has been my best friend since 2016—the best friend I could ever ask for. She’s always there for me during my lowest moments. I truly enjoy training with her and have so much fun being her football partner.
To wrap up the interview, is there anything you’d like to say to your family, friends, coaches, and fans?
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of them for their support and love. I will always strive to do my best and make them proud.