2021 Airtel FUFA Female Player Najjemba Living Her Dream, Hungry For More Success

 

Achieving your goal might be reward enough, but tangible achievements motivate you to persevere or even get better.

For a Ugandan footballer, encrypting your name onto the list of winners in the Airtel FUFA Awards is the most prestigious achievement one can get and for Fauzia Najjemba, who is just 18 years old, being named the Airtel FUFA Female Player of 2021 is a dream come true.

Najjemba who plays at Kampala Queens, captain of the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team and also plays for the Crested Cranes, the recognition is satisfying but believes this will even motivate her to work harder.

FUFA Media’s Stephen Mayamba had a chat with Najjemba who is currently in camp with the Uganda U20 Women’s National preparing to face South Africa and below is excerpt;

FUFA Media: Congratulations once again Fauzia, how does it feel being a car owner at such a young age. What was the feeling like waking up the following morning knowing that you are a proud owner of a brand-new Subaru Impreza?

FN: It really feels good, you know it is not an easy thing to own a car at a young age. I was really excited. I still couldn’t believe it but yes it was true I was a car owner. For this I will forever be grateful to Airtel, FUFA and other partners for making this dream come true.

FUFA Media: People do weird or call them crazy things with newly acquired prized asset. What crazy ideas have you had about your new car?

FN: I woke up in the night and wanted to come out to check it out but just got scared. I knew we had security in camp so it was safe but had I been home I think I would have slept in the garage. I do not think anybody would convince me into going to my bedroom. I would have slept in the car. I actually did not remember where I had placed my keys the following morning. I had to search for them.

FUFA Media: In 2019 you were a nominee and did not win, any other person would have been demoralized. What kept you motivated?

FN: Everything happens at the right time and I believe 2019 was not my time. Maybe back then I was not at that level to win the main award. I had to wait for my time and chance. It all comes down to hard work because under normal circumstances some people would definitely be heart broken and demoralized for not winning. However, i had to keep my cool and continue working hard. Getting nominated then was enough motivation to work extra hard hoping that one day my time would come and thank God it surely did.

FUFA Media: Winning in 2019 and 2021, which year would you have preferred?

FN: I feel better winning in 2021. In 2019 we played tournaments (COSAFA U17 and CECAFA U17) for which I had a considerably good year but even with the COVID-19 challenges and restrictions, I feel better having won in 2021.

FUFA Media: Winning and success normally come with overwhelming pressure to prove. Many fail to handle but how are you planning for your new status in football?

FN: Of course, there it is there but I will not put myself under pressure. People will always put you under pressure knowingly or unknowingly but personally I will not be under pressure despite winning the Airtel FUFA Female Footballer of the Year 2021 Award. However, I will continue working hard to achieve even greater things for the team and personal goals.

FUFA Media: For a young girl nicknamed ‘Fau’ out there whose passion and energy were re- ignited by your achievement, what message do you have for her?

FN: To the young ‘Fau’, believe in yourself, work hard, remain determined at everything you do and most importantly pray. If you fail at one thing at a certain point, pick yourself up and continue working hard until you reach a level when you can be appreciated. I have not achieved this out of just being lazy or relaxing but passion and hard work.