Where were you born?
I was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
When did you start playing football?
I don’t really remember when I started playing football. All I know is football has always been a part of my life.
How was it like playing football as a young girl in Cameroon?
It was fun but I had to impose myself. Growing up football was even more male dominated and as a young girl I was one of a few most times on the field. So I mainly played with boys and had to make sure I was as good if not better to deserve a spot on the field.
Were your parents supportive of your career choice?
Not totally, but eventually they saw how serious I was about becoming a professional. It’s always hard for parents to accept when their children do something out of the norm and becoming a professional football player as a woman was definitely outside the box my parents had imagined.
Tell us about your experience with Sporting Braga in Portugal?
It was a great experience. My first professional game was the Super Cup, which we won on penalties and at the end of the season we closed off with being champions of the season. It was Braga Women’s first trophies and it was humbling and exciting to be part of a historical group that will stay in the books of Braga forever.
Farida contests for the ball while playing for Sporting Braga
You contributed five assists in four games in Sporting Braga's first-ever Uefa Women's Champions League campaign, how was it like playing in the Champions League?
It was great, even though we didn’t reach as far as I would have wanted, it was a dream come true to participate in the Champions League. I know this won’t be my only appearance.
What do you think of the current state of women's football in Cameroon?
I think it is in a growth phase. With time there’s been more visibility and investment, so that’s a plus. I do think though that there’s still a lot of room for growth. We still need to make women’s football more professional so the girls can live off of football. Ultimately we need to see the importance of women’s football and put the energy and resources needed to allow it to fully grow.
How has it been like being back and playing in Cameroon?
It’s been an adjustment. Things are definitely different here than they are abroad so I just learned how to adjust. But, it was a wonderful experience to win the first edition of the Guinness Super League with AWA FC.
What message you would give to young players coming up?
Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, and work hard.
Follow Farida Machia on Twitter: @FaridaMachia
