Since Malikah Hamza was young, she always harboured a dream that she would one day tell her story. That became a reality almost a year ago, in November 2024, as the young girl who turned hockey player’s book, ‘Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport’, was released. The book, inspired by true events, tells the story of her hockey player’s athletic journey.
Hamza started as a newbie in indoor hockey but in the last two years has grown in stature, representing South Africa at the 2023 Junior Women’s World Cup and is now a regular in the senior team, playing in the 2023 Nkosi Cup as well as the 2024 Indoor Africa Cup.
The player from Kensington in Cape Town hopes that by sharing her story, she can be the representation her community needs. She also hopes it will ignite a passion in young girls to follow their dreams and never give up.
Firstly, Malikah, thank you so much for chatting with us. Your book has been out for almost a year. What does it mean to you that a story has been told about you?
Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport is the first in a series of true stories about my journey as a multi-sport athlete. I feel incredibly honoured to share my story with the youth and hopefully inspire them through my experiences.
What message are you hoping readers take away from this book?
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. Playing any sport helps build discipline, teamwork, and strong character.
You are a Muslim woman of colour. What does it mean to you that you are working towards creating representation for young girls like yourself?
In many Muslim communities, female athletes aren’t always encouraged. 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.
How important is it to you that such a story as this book should be told?
There aren’t many children’s books that tell real-life stories, so I think it’s important to fill that gap. Books like this allow young readers to meet real people and learn from their journeys, even if they can’t meet them in person.
How involved were you in the writing process?
Yes, I had a lot of input throughout the process. It was important to me that the story stayed true to my experiences.
Did you ever dream that a book with your story’s name would ever be written?
I did dream about it, but I never imagined it would become a children’s book. It’s something I’ve always wanted, and seeing it come to life in this way feels very special.
How do you feel this book will encourage young girls and sportswomen as they pursue their careers in various sporting codes?
One of the main goals behind the book is to encourage children to read more and to get involved in sport. As a female athlete, I especially hope it inspires young girls to be active and to follow their sporting dreams.
You were named in the high-performance squad that is prepared for the new season. What was that camp like?
Being part of the squad has been an incredible experience. The camp was intense but deeply rewarding — it pushed us to our limits both physically and mentally. Our coaching staff and team have built a great culture of hard work and unity, and I’m really excited about what lies ahead for us.
Where are you currently playing your domestic hockey?
I’m currently playing my domestic hockey for Crefelder Hockey und Tennis Club (in Germany). It’s been a fantastic environment to continue developing my skills and staying competitive throughout the season. I’m grateful for the experience before returning home for national duty.
What are your hopes for the new season?
My main goal for the new season is to keep growing as a player and performing at my best. I want to contribute to my team’s success and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. Above all, I hope to keep enjoying the game and inspiring others through my journey.
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.” All Photos: Supplied
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.
