Head coach of Azerbaijan’s U-17 women’s national football team, Nargiz Gurbanova, spoke to Qol.az about her journey in football and the evolving landscape of the women’s game in the country.
– Nargiz, let’s start with your background. How did your interest in football begin?
My love for football started at a young age. I used to enjoy watching matches and often played with my male friends. At first, my parents didn’t approve, but eventually, they changed their minds. I joined a girls’ football team at around 12 and later went on to play for Azerbaijan’s U-17 and U-19 national teams.
– What led you to become a coach?
- I’m 31 now and have been coaching for 12 years. Honestly, I don’t think any young player dreams of being a coach early on. I was 19 at the time, and since I was too old for the existing U-15 and U-17 girls’ leagues, my first coach suggested I help train younger players while still playing myself. Football had become such a central part of my life that I agreed. Eventually, I realized that to truly succeed, I had to choose one path — and I chose coaching.
– Was it difficult for you to succeed in this field as a woman?
- Absolutely. Every success story involves hard days and hard work. But if you stay committed and don’t give up, no matter how long it takes, you’ll eventually succeed. Patience is key.
– How do you assess the current state of women’s football in Azerbaijan?
- Women’s football is developing day by day. We’ve achieved some great milestones in recent years. Sure, there are losses, it’s part of the game, but we’re making progress. There used to be this saying: “What’s a girl doing in football?” I think our girls have changed that narrative. In the past, many parents wouldn’t allow their daughters to play or support them, but thankfully, that’s changing too.
– What challenges still exist in women’s football today?
- That’s a long conversation, but I’ll say this — experience is the best teacher. If we want our girls to become strong players, we need to support them from an earlier age — not at 10 or 13, but from 6 or 8. Early training gives them the foundation they need to succeed later.
– In your view, does Azerbaijan lack talented players or quality coaches?
- Even the best coach will struggle to deliver results if players only start training at 12 or 13. The environment around the player also matters a lot. That’s something we shouldn’t overlook.
– Finally, what advice would you give to girls who want to become footballers or coaches?
- First, love your profession and believe you’re capable of it. Then, work hard — so hard that you feel exhausted. That kind of effort means you're giving it your all, and that’s how you’ll eventually succeed in any part of football.
Idman.biz
