Hazel Nali: Zambia goalkeeper on overcoming parent’s opposition to reach World Cup

As a child Hazel Nali constantly got in trouble for playing football.

The goalkeeper was the hero last week as Zambia qualified for their first ever Women’s World Cup, with the 2023 tournament kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on 20 July.

But growing up she was at odds with her parents – who preferred her to focus on studying rather than football.

“I really had so much trouble that I had to change where I would stay,” Nali, 24, told BBC Sport Africa.

“I went for a holiday at my grandma’s place. And I really cried because I wanted to stay there and enjoy my sports career. So, I had to do that. And it really helped me a lot.”

Her late grandmother was not only her refuge, but also her inspiration.

“She used to play netball, and in the process I wanted to do something different from her sport. So, I began playing football and from that time, it has been my favourite sport,” Nali said.

“She would encourage me. She told me to focus on school but also play football because I like it. So, she understood me so well and it really gave me the zeal to keep on going.”

Nali’s persistence paid off.

Her football career started with Zambia’s Under-17 national team and now she plays professionally in Turkey, and her parents have finally come around.

“I think the moment I started being named in the national team, that’s the time my parents stood up for me and began supporting me. My mom is now my biggest fan,” Nali recalls.