Ever since Malikah Hamza was young, she always harbored the dream that one day she would tell her story. That became a reality almost a year ago, in November 2024, when the young girl who turned over the hockey player book, ‘Malikah: the girl who loves sports‘, was released. Inspired by true events, the book tells the story of her hockey player’s athletic journey.
Hamza started out as a novice in indoor hockey, but has grown in stature over the past two years. He represented South Africa at the 2023 World Junior Women’s World Cup and is now a regular in the senior team, playing in both the 2023 Nkosi Cup and the 2024 Indoor Africa Cup.
The player from Kensington in Cape Town hopes that by sharing her story, she can be the representation her community needs. She also hopes it will ignite a passion in young girls to follow their dreams and never give up.
First of all, Malikah, thank you so much for chatting with us. Your book has been out for almost a year now. What does it mean to you that a story is told about you?
Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport is the first in a series of true stories about my journey as a multi-sport athlete. I feel incredibly honored to share my story with the young people and hopefully inspire them through my experiences.
What message do you hope readers take away from this book?
The key messages I hope readers take away are the importance of perseverance and hard work; they are essential for success in life and in sports. Practicing any sport helps build discipline, teamwork and strong character.
You are a Muslim woman of color. What does it mean to you that you are working to create representation for young girls like you?
In many Muslim communities, female athletes are not always encouraged. As a Muslim woman, I hope to show young girls that they can play any sport they love while staying true to their faith and values.
How important is it to you that a story like this book is told?
There aren’t many children’s books that tell real-life stories, so I think it’s important to fill that gap. Books like these allow young readers to meet real people and learn from their journeys, even if they can’t meet them in person.
How involved were you in the writing process?
Yes, I had a lot of input throughout the process. It was important to me that the story remained true to my experiences.
Have you ever dreamed that one day a book would be written with the name of your story?
I dreamed about it, but never thought it would become a children’s book. It’s something I’ve always wanted and it feels very special to see it come to life in this way.
How do you think this book will encourage young girls and sportswomen as they pursue their careers in different sporting codes?
One of the main goals behind the book is to encourage children to read more and participate in sports. As a female athlete, I especially hope that it inspires young girls to be active and follow their sporting dreams.
You have been included in the high-quality selection that is prepared for the new season. What did that camp look like?
Being part of the team was an incredible experience. The camp was intense but very rewarding; it pushed us to our limits both physically and mentally. Our coaching staff and team have built a great culture of hard work and unity, and I am very excited about what lies ahead.
Where do you currently play your domestic hockey?
I currently play my domestic hockey for Crefelder Hockey und Tennis Club (in Germany). It was a fantastic environment to continue to develop my skills and stay competitive throughout the season. I am grateful for the experience before returning home for national duties.
What are your expectations for the new season?
My main goal for the new season is to continue to grow as a player and perform at my best. I want to contribute to the success of my team and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. Most of all, I hope to continue to enjoy the game and inspire others along my journey.
Main photo caption: Sports enthusiast and national hockey star Malikah Hamza shares her true story in ‘Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport’, hoping to inspire young people about the importance of perseverance and hard work in following their sporting dreams.” All Photos: Delivered
Photo 2 Caption: ‘One of the most important objectives is to encourage children to read more and take up sports. I hope it inspires young girls to follow their sporting dreams.”
Photo 3 Caption: Hamza: ‘As a Muslim woman, I hope to show young girls that they can play any sport they love while still staying true to their faith and values.’
Photo 4 Caption: ‘The most important messages I hope readers take away are the importance of perseverance and hard work; they are essential for success in life and in sports,” says Hamza.
Photo 5 Caption: A younger Malikah enjoyed many sports before choosing to focus on hockey as she continued to have more success with the stick.
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