Nakhchivan volleyball player Mariam Metwally commented on her team's debut match in the Super League against Azermash Absheron (3–0), and also shared her impressions of the country's championship and life in Nakhchivan.
Metwally is playing in Azerbaijan for the first time. In her home country, Egypt, she is a well-known volleyball player. Earlier this year, she became African champion with the national team and was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Outside Hitter.
In an interview with İdman.Biz, she explained why she accepted the offer to join Nakhchivan and what surprised her about the country.
– What are your thoughts on the team's first match?
– I'm actually very happy that we started the league with a strong performance against Absheron. I'm happy to be playing in the Azerbaijani league. I'm really excited to compete here because it's a very strong league, and the teams are quite evenly matched in terms of their level. So it was very important for us to show that, even though we're a new team, we're very strong and capable of competing with our opponents.
– This is your first time playing in Azerbaijan. What did you know about Azerbaijani volleyball before coming here?
– I didn't have much information. I knew it was a strong league with good players from all over the world. I watched two or three matches involving Azerbaijani teams in the CEV Challenge Cup, and I really liked what I saw. So when I received the offer, I was very happy to have the opportunity to come here.
– What made you decide to join a league you didn't know much about, especially a team making its debut in the Super League?
– It's related to my personality. I always like trying new things. I've done something similar before in Egypt. For me, this is a kind of big challenge. I want to test myself, try my abilities in a new country and a new team, and do everything I can to pass that mindset on to the whole team.
– What are your impressions of Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan in general?
– Azerbaijan is a very nice country. Before coming here, I often heard Egyptians say that it has recently become a popular honeymoon destination. I watched videos on TikTok and was really excited because Baku is truly beautiful. There's also Gabala, which is very beautiful too. There are so many wonderful places, and I really want to explore them all. As for Nakhchivan, it's a very clean, peaceful and beautiful city, and it's easy to get around on foot.
– Do you see any similarities between Azerbaijan and Egypt?
– In Egypt, as we say, nobody ever sleeps – the country never goes to sleep. It's the same here. Whenever I'm in central Baku, I see that the streets are full of people. Azerbaijanis are also very kind and helpful, always ready to lend a hand. They're really very similar to us. I feel at home here. Besides, both countries have Muslim traditions, so we really do have a lot in common.
– On that note, did religion play a role in your decision to come to Azerbaijan?
– Honestly, no. Last year, I played in Italy, in Europe. So it's not something that matters to me when choosing where to play. The main thing is that people respect me and my religion. As long as they do, I'm happy.
– Finally, what goals has the team set for itself, and what are your personal ambitions?
– Our goal is to fight for a medal. As for me, I want to do everything possible to win a trophy. We have a good, very strong team and ambitious players. We're capable of achieving something truly significant and surprising everyone.
