Mirfath speaks with us on retirement.

Mariyam Mirfath has been a national player for the past 13 years. She is the nation’s first ever female captain. Except for the games in one tournament, Mirfath has played in all of the games for the Maldives since she has started, scoring 2 goals. At Club level Mirfath spent two years in New Radiant Sports Club. She is a very popular futsal player, playing for Immigration in the annual Club Maldives Futsal tournament.

BoalhaMV: What are the reasons for your retirement?

Mirfath: I believe I have spent a lot of time in the service of the nation through football. And also I want to spend more time with my family (Mirfath has a son), and that is why I have decided to retire.

BoalhaMV: How many tournaments have you played in the National jersey?

Mirfath: At this time it is difficult to say exactly how many games I have played. But in 2009, some qualification tournament, if I remember correctly it was AFC Cup qualification round, besides that I have played in all the tournaments and matches that has been played. (Women’s national team)

BoalhaMV: Club Maldives is just around the corner. Since you work in the Immigration and that you have played for Immigration last few years, will you be playing for them in Club Maldives tournament?

Mirfath: Yes. I have only retired from the national team. I will be playing in other tournaments as well as those in which my bureau takes part in.

BoalhaMV: Previously you played for New Radiant Sports Club women’s, now the new FAM guidelines state that all first tier teams has to have women’s squads. Is there a possibility of seeing you in one of these clubs?

Mirfath: As you said, I have played for New Radiant for two seasons. Even in the future if the right club comes along, I will be playing.

BoalhaMV: Now even girls are being trained at a young age unlike before, we see few women coaches. Would we see you taking up a coaching role in the near future? Do you have any such plans?

Mirfath: As I said before, I only retired from the national team. But I will not completely be away from the team. I will still be with the team. And I will be active in football. If there is an opportunity in women’s football, I will most likely be involved.

"I only retired from the national team. But I will not completely be away from the team. I will still be with the team. And I will be active in football. If there is an opportunity in women’s football, I will most likely be involved"

BoalhaMV: What do you think of the current national squad? Do you think they have a good future?

Mirfath:  I think the team’s future is very good, very bright. The current squad is exceptional. It sure is a good squad. In the 13 years I spent in the national team the current squad is the most outstanding, the strongest.

BoalhaMV: What is your message to those girls who wants to become footballers or are fond of the sport, and for those youth players who want to make their way to Maldives Women National Team?

Mirfath: I want to say to those youth players that we can get success with football and make shine our nation's name too. Like boys, girls also can play football well if they keep playing football with aiming for it.