DUBAI – Footballing legend Didier Drogba and pioneering women’s coach Iqra Ismail visited Expo 2020 Dubai this month (11 February) to encourage conversation about equality in sport.
After coaching a mixed-gender friendly match with teams from Dubai-based club Alliance at Expo’s Sports, Fitness and Wellness Hub, they talked about the importance of empowering women in football and their own career highlights.
Former Côte d’Ivoire national team captain and Chelsea striker Drogba, and Ismail, captain of the Somalia women’s national team and coach for Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Hilltop WFC, were guests of PepsiCo – Official Beverage & Snack Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Today’s conversation is about equality in sport – how are you involved with that?
Didier Drogba: It’s our mission to make sure that those voices are heard. I think we’ve started with small details. For example, we were recently talking about how there was a time where they [women] were wearing the same kit as men and the same boots as men – women whose feet are completely different to men’s. There was a change that needed to be made in order to match the expectation of young girls who want to play, to perform, to show what they’re capable of.
Iqra, how did you get into football? And was it harder as a female?
Iqra Ismail: I started playing when I was eight years old. We had a football tournament when I was 11 and I had a favourite jumper. The night before the tournament I put the number 11 on the back, so it’s crazy to now be working alongside Drogba [11 was Drogba’s shirt number at Chelsea]. When I was younger, I was fighting this individual battle, a silent battle within myself, when it came to being a young black Muslim woman in sport. That silent battle became a bigger one when I realised I’m not the only one fighting it. I wanted to create a space that allowed young Muslim women, young black women, young BAME [Black, Asian and minority ethnic] women to have the opportunity to play football in a safe, comfortable environment.
The Men and Women’s UEFA Champions League trophies have been on display at the Expo 2020 Dubai Pepsi and Lay’s Plus Pavilions this month. Didier, you were key in helping Chelsea win the men’s tournament in 2012. Does that remain your career highlight?
DD: This is the moment a lot of people talk to me about. So for sure it’s on top of the greatest moments of my career.
Didier, are you tempted to move into management?
DD: Who knows. [In Côte d’Ivoire] I’m trying to make an impact on local football and make sure players have decent salaries, play on better pitches … to improve the quality of our football. If you manage to do that, I think it will also improve the quality of our performances internationally.
Iqra, can you tell us about your career high point and any advice you have for other women in football?
II: I think there’s not much that can beat getting called up for the [Somalia] national team – being able to represent your country is a massive honour. The women’s game is definitely growing exponentially. Mum raised me to believe that as long as I hold on to my faith and the woman that I was raised to be, and remain patient, there’s nothing in life that can really stop me. So I feel like my culture and upbringing have really made me the person I am today. There are things happening in the world and careers being formed that when I was young didn’t even exist. So whatever your passion, whatever your drive, just stick to it. Only you are the person living your life, so don’t live based on the promises of others.
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