Let’s start at the beginning — can you remember the first time you truly fell in love with football? Not just played it, but felt it?
The moment I truly fell in love with football is when my parents gave me a football registration form as my birthday gift when I was 10 years old. I had a lot of emotions running through me when I held the form. After that, I was always excited to go on training and from that effort, I was able to become an improved player.
You play one of the most unforgiving roles on the pitch — centre back. Why that position? Did you choose it, or did it choose you?
I used to be a striker before becoming a centre back. Unfortunately it's not meant for me. Centre back has always felt like more than just a position to me. It’s a role I deeply connect with. I’m someone who naturally takes responsibility, who watches out for others, and who doesn’t shy away from pressure. Special thanks to Coach Zool Hilmy for discovering this hidden talent in me.
As a young player, did you ever feel underestimated because you’re a defender —especially when everyone seems to talk about goals and flair?
Honestly, becoming a defender hasn’t been an easy journey for me. It’s one of those paths where you’re constantly being tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s about committing to a purpose bigger than yourself. These days, most of the spotlight goes to the goal scorers, the dribblers, the flashy moments and I respect that. But for me, I’ve learned to take pride in that. I don’t need the spotlight to know my value. I don’t mind being underestimated. It pushes me to work harder and to prove through actions rather than words.
What’s something about your game — or your mindset — that people don’t see unless they’re really paying attention?
One thing I think a lot of people don’t see right away is how much I focus on the little details. I’m always predicting the opponent's next move and communicating with my teammates before things even happen. It’s easy to get distracted, but I’m constantly thinking two or three steps ahead. It’s not always happen but it’s about staying sharp and being ready for anything.
What is it like playing with SSS Leopard? What makes that team, that dressing room, special for you? Playing with SSS Leopard means you are surrounded with a positive environment and the bonds we form. That dressing room isn’t just a place where we prepare for matches. It’s where we’ve built a family. Win or lose, we go through everything together.
Can you tell me about a moment — on or off the pitch — when you felt like you had to grow up fast?
There was a moment when I was only 15 years old that I had to grow up fast. I got selected to play for Selangor FC Women's Team in 2023 for Liga Wanita Nasional. Competing against women 5 or even 8 years older than me was tough. I started to feel stuck. At first, it was frustrating and I knew I had the ability but I had to accept that at this level, talent alone isn’t enough. I work harder in training, consistency and stay patient. Instead of complaining, I kept pushing. Eventually, I got my opportunity. That whole experience taught me patience and how to carry myself in a professional environment, even at a young age. It’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.
You’re rising in a country where women’s football is still carving out its space. What does it mean to you to wear that badge, here, now?
Wearing the badge here and now, in a country where women’s football is still finding its place, means a lot more than just playing the game. It’s about a chance to inspire the next generation and show that opportunities for women in football are growing and deserve respect. It’s exciting and humbling to be part of something bigger than myself and I’m proud to wear that badge with all the passion and commitment it deserves
Who do you play for, really? Like deep down — who or what fuels you when everything gets hard?
I play for more than just myself or the team. When things get really tough whether it’s on the pitch or off, I’m fueled by my family and friends that’s supported me from day one. Especially my biggest supporters which are Daliea and Fatin.
What’s one moment you dream of — that replay in your mind over and over, like a future memory waiting to happen?
One moment I constantly replay in my mind is walking out onto the pitch for my country in a major international tournament. It’s not just about playing at that level. That moment would be proof that everything I’ve pushed through was worth it and that a girl from here can reach that stage. On hard days, I hold onto that image. It reminds me why I keep going, and it makes every bit of struggle feel meaningful.
Years from now, when they talk about Nicol Albert, the centre back — what do you hope they say?
Years from now, I’d hope they say,‘She defended more than just goals’, that would mean everything to me. I want to be remembered as someone who played with heart , who never shied away from the tough moments, and who stood up when the team needed it most.
