Joining Japanese Club Cerezo Osaka, Zahra Muzdalifah: It's like a dream

Indonesian Women's National Team player, Zahra Muzdalifah, officially joins the Cerezo Osaka team. (Photo: Instagram/@asianasoccerschool)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Women's National Team player, Zahra Mizdalifah, feels unsure that she will take part abroad. He hopes this opportunity can make him a better player and person.

Please note, Zahra Muzdalifah has officially been recruited by the Japanese club Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies. He is tied with a one year contract.

The contract signing event was held at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 4. The signing was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia Dito Ariotedjo, the Ketum of Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) as well as the Minister of State-owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erik Thohir and the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kanasugi Kenji.

Before officially joining, Zahra herself underwent a three-month trial for the team that will compete in the WE League, Japan's professional women's soccer league.

"Of course this is a new experience for me to be able to practice and play with the famous soccer club in Japan, Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies," said Zahra.

For him, the opportunity to play abroad is like a dream come true.

"It's like a dream, representing Asiana Soccer School, I will bring Indonesia's name to the Japanese football club industry," said the 22-year-old player, as reported by Antara.

"With this opportunity, I hope my life's journey will become more meaningful and of course I hope this experience will also shape my character and be useful for my future career," she continued.

Zahra's success in entering the Japanese League cannot be separated from the collaboration between Asiana Soccer School and Cerezo Osaka.

In addition, President of Cerezo Osaka, Hiroaki Morishima said that Zahra was recruited because she was considered to have good skills and attitude on and off the field. Hiroaki even praised the way Zahra interacted with the Japanese club's supporters.

"We have seen Zahra's attitude and attitude towards the team. She is also physically strong compared to the others. As a striker, she also has an instinct for scoring goals. Zahra's presence is able to break the ice in a team where most of the other players are still stiff due to coming to the academy," said Hiroaki Morishima.