Zulfiyya Bayramova, coach of the Shimal football club, gave an interview to Idman.biz.
- You will be the first woman in Azerbaijan to coach a men’s football team. Are you worried about working with men? What if they don’t listen to you?
- No, not at all. It feels completely normal to me. What’s the big deal if they’re men?
- How long have you been playing football?
- More than thirteen years. Actually, I’ve been playing since childhood. But I only joined championships when I was 15. Before that, I didn’t know much about women’s football. Then I heard there was a girls’ team, and I joined. So, I’ve been playing for about fifteen years now.
- How old are you?
- 28
- How did it happen that Shimal chose you?
- Fazil Salahov, who works at the club, used to be my coach. Thanks to his initiative, we took this step. I signed a contract with Shimal until the end of the 2025–2026 season. I hope I can be useful to the team.
- Do you have coaching experience?
- Yes. I participated in AFFA’s training programs. I have a Category C coaching license. I’ve worked as a coach for youth football teams.
- You’re also a player for Baku Juniors. Won’t it be difficult to work with two clubs?
- No, I believe I can handle it. I was a goalkeeper at “Baku Juniors,” but in recent matches I’ve been playing as an outfield player, mainly in attack.
- You’ll be working with Zaur Ramazanov at Shimal starting next season. Have you worked with him before? Do you know the players?
- I know some of them. But since I haven’t joined the training yet, I can’t give a definite answer.
- How did your family and loved ones react to this appointment?
- My family has always supported me. Sometimes, when I hesitate about something, my mother encourages me to be more active. As you can see, I’m not very talkative. In our family, there’s no discrimination against girls. A lot depends on how you’re raised. I was brought up differently, never treated as second-class just because I’m a girl. I grew up in Khachmaz. Since I was raised in a rural area, I’ve always done what’s considered “men’s job.” So, working with men doesn’t scare me.
- Do you also believe that “a woman’s place is not just in the kitchen”?
- No, why would I? You need to know your way around the kitchen too.
- Are you good at it?
- Of course!
Aytaj Sahed
Idman.biz
