Discovering Malikah Hamza: A Voice for Young Athletes
The Journey Begins
Since her early childhood, Malikah Hamza has nurtured an aspiration to share her story with the world. This dream materialized in November 2024 with the publication of her book, Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport. The narrative, based on true events, chronicles Malikah’s journey as a hockey player, capturing both her struggles and triumphs in the sporting arena.
Rising Through the Ranks
Hamza commenced her sporting journey as a novice in indoor hockey. In just two years, her growth has been remarkable. She proudly represented South Africa at the 2023 Junior Women’s World Cup and swiftly advanced to being a mainstay in the senior national team, participating in esteemed tournaments like the 2023 Nkosi Cup and the 2024 Indoor Africa Cup. Her rapid ascent in the sport serves as a testament to her talent and determination.
Representation Matters
Hailing from Kensington in Cape Town, Hamza hopes her story serves as a beacon of representation for girls in her community. By sharing her experiences, she aims to spark passion in young girls, encouraging them to chase their dreams and remain resilient in the face of challenges. “I feel incredibly honoured to share my story with the youth and hopefully inspire them through my experiences,” she expresses with heartfelt sincerity.
The Book: More than Just a Story
In her own words, Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport is just the beginning—a first installment in a series detailing her evolution as a multi-sport athlete. Hamza emphasizes the critical messages embedded within her book: the importance of hard work and perseverance. “These qualities are essential for success, not just in sports, but in life as well,” she explains.
Cultivating Passion for Reading and Sport
One fundamental aim of her book is to encourage children to read more and engage in sports. Hamza believes that her story can inspire young girls to become active in sports and to nurture their dreams. She states, “I hope it inspires young girls to be active and to follow their sporting dreams.”
Being a Role Model
As a Muslim woman of color, Hamza understands the challenges faced by female athletes within her community. “In many Muslim communities, female athletes aren’t always encouraged,” she notes. Through her platform, she aims to illustrate that girls can participate in sports while embracing their faith and values. Her story is not just about her achievements but also a message of empowerment for marginalized voices.
Filling a Literary Gap
Hamza believes that children’s literature often overlooks real-life stories, creating a void that needs to be filled. “There aren’t many children’s books that tell real-life stories, so I think it’s important to fill that gap,” she asserts. By sharing her journey, young readers can learn valuable lessons from someone who has navigated similar challenges and aspirations.
The Writing Process
Throughout the writing journey, Malikah was heavily involved, ensuring that her experiences were authentically depicted. “It was important to me that the story stayed true to my experiences,” she reflects. This commitment to authenticity adds depth and relatability to her narrative, making it resonate with readers.
A Dream Realized
The process of seeing her story published was surreal for Hamza, who had always envisioned sharing her journey with others. “I did dream about it, but I never imagined it would become a children’s book,” she says, her voice imbued with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Encouragement for Future Generations
Hamza hopes her story will serve as a source of encouragement for young girls pursuing sports. As a female athlete, she believes it is vital to promote active lifestyles among young girls and to pursue dreams passionately. The endeavor to inspire and motivate others is intrinsic to her journey.
High-Performance Recognition
As a testament to her skill and perseverance, Hamza was named in the high-performance squad preparing for the upcoming season. She describes her experience at the training camp as intense but rewarding, fostering a culture of hard work among her peers. “It pushed us to our limits both physically and mentally,” she notes, reflecting on the significance of teamwork and camaraderie.
Current Playing Career
Currently, Malikah plays for Crefelder Hockey und Tennis Club in Germany, where she continues to hone her skills. She views her time there as an invaluable opportunity for growth before returning to national duties. “It’s been a fantastic environment to continue developing my skills and staying competitive,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in her career.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, Hamza is focused on personal growth and contributing to her team’s success. She hopes to seize every opportunity that comes her way while maintaining her passion for the game. Her dedication extends beyond personal attainment—she aspires to inspire others through her journey and foster a community of athletes driven by perseverance and determination.
Main Photo Caption: Sport enthusiast and national hockey star Malikah Hamza shares her true story in Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport, hoping to inspire youth about the importance of perseverance and hard work in following their sporting dreams.
Photo 2 Caption: “One of the main goals is to encourage children to read more and to get involved in sport. I hope it inspires young girls to follow their sporting dreams.”
Photo 3 Caption: Hamza: “As a Muslim woman, I hope to show young girls that they can pursue any sport they love while still staying true to their faith and values.”
Photo 4 Caption: “The key messages I hope readers take away are the importance of perseverance and hard work; they’re essential for success in life and in sport,” says Hamza.
Photo 5 Caption: A younger Malikah was fond of many sports before making the choice to focus on hockey as she found increasing success with the stick.