Mother of four pursues a career in football
Her husband and children’s love and passion for football husband inspired 34-year-old Karishma Mala to pursue her career in football.
Originally from Bulileka, Labasa, the mother of four said she never dreamt she would have a chance to coach a team.
“I have passion and love for football but I never thought I will one day become a coach,” said Mala
“Actually my daughter and son followed their dad’s footsteps because my husband plays football and is very crazy about the spot.
“My journey in football started when we heard about the grassroots development program being held at the Fiji FA Academy and I used to bring my son and daughter to the program.
“We used to play football in our backyard with our family but we thought to develop our kids with qualified coaches so we brought them to the Academy and they started to showcase their talent and then my daughter Nisita Bhan was selected to represent Suva U16 girls team and now in Suva U19 team,” added Mala
And from here things changed explains Mala.
Watching my daughter playing in the white jumper brought tears of joy in me, and took up the challenge to assist her in her football career also I am dreaming to see her donning the Fiji jersey so I took up the challenge to attend coaching courses.
“It is not easy for me as I have a 3-year-old daughter and also I look after the accounts of our business Active Aluminum Works but since I am in love with football, I have compromised a lot to achieve what I have aimed for.
“I have balanced myself with work commitments and football as I have also been given chance to coach the Suva U19 Girls’ team this year without much knowledge of coaching and I took up the task and learned from reading and watching on social media.
On the importance of inclusive spaces for women in sports, Mala tells: “I’m so proud to be a part of a sport that champions women in football, something incredibly close to my heart and central to my life.
“Fiji FA has been encouraging women to pursue their passion for football, and allowing them to take part in courses to make these passions a reality; it enables everyone to have the opportunity to get involved and find the sport that they can love while bringing them together with others.
“No one ever made me feel like I needed to be something different as I have completed OFC/MA Grassroots Coaching Certificate, OFC Goalkeeper Coaching Certificate Courses, and FIFA/OFC C-License Coaching Certificate,” said Mala
Mala has some sage advice for parents wanting to support their girls to get involved with football.
“Giving them confidence, giving them positive encouragement to go and play football, spending time with them playing football, allowing them to go and play with the boys if that’s what it is,” she suggests.
“Take them to after-school training involving football and also to go and see football live if you can.
She added that Fiji FA was doing everything to give equal opportunities to women in football which has inspired many women like me.
