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In terms of international talent in the NPL, Faisal Sakhizada, a 30-cap Afghanistan national team stalwart, often flies under the radar.
Sakhizada made 92 appearances at Dandenong Thunder in the past four years, alongside Simon Colosimo last season, combining for more than 50 caps of experience on the global stage. It’s rare that a 26-year-old of substantial international experience isn’t valued greater elsewhere.
But Sakhizada was considered by many, including current coach Nick Tolios, as a ‘standout’ of the NPL2 last season. He’s also well-regarded by many more in Asia, a continent whose players seldom receive much attention here despite the geographic closeness.
The defender continued to showcase his skillset in Victoria. With his move to newly promoted NPL side Kingston City, the wheels are set in motion to transfer those skills as a senior head with experience in the state’s top flight.
“I’m happy to be playing in Kingston,” says Sakhizada. “In my first training session, I instantly recognised the quality of the players around me.
“It was a very tough decision for me to leave Dandenong. When Nick (Tolios) called, I was very confused. I’d broken my arm and was injured at the time.
“But I made the decision, and now I’m excited to be with the club.”
Sakhizada moved to Australia five years ago and settled in Dandenong. His loyalty to the Thunder was immense, and he quickly became a fan favourite.
Unfortunately for Sakhizada, not every aspect of football is easier in Australia than his homeland. Last year, he was called up for Afghanistan’s match against Malaysia. He couldn’t go because he was working.
For many that would be a heartbreaking obstacle, but you get the sense Sakhizada’s life experiences have given him greater perspective over his career. For a start, he’s very grounded. After all, he has a wife and young child to support.
“For me, it’s not important to play at the highest level,” Sakhizada says. “I’m happy to just play at Kingston because I’m comfortable here.
“I’m proud to play for Afghanistan, but I’ve been in Australia for five years now.
“My wife and two-year-old son are here. I can’t go and play for Afghanistan every time, but I’m still very proud to be part of the national team.”
Despite the limitations placed on his ambition, Sakhizada’s genuinely content. If the standard of his football’s anything to go by, his mindset’s doing no harm.
His calm, realistic approach may also work wonders for a youthful, newly promoted Kingston City. While Tolios’ side will face challenges this season, there’s no better role model for ambitious young footballers than Sakhizada.
Afghan migration to Australia has surged dramatically over the past two decades, as the impact of years of conflict continues to take its toll.
We’re seeing more players from a Middle-Eastern or African background grace Victorian football, to its noticeable benefit.
The changes are reminiscent, albeit to a smaller extent, to the wave of migration that took place following the Second World War. You don’t have to be a historian to realise the positive impact that had on Australian football.
“Playing for Kingston I’ve seen Iqi [Jawadi] again,” Sakhizada says, remarking on another player with Afghan heritage in the NPL.
“I haven’t seen him for a long time. He’s a good player.”
But still there’s a surprising lack of integration between Australian football and the Asian confederation. Australians regularly depart to opportunities in Asia, yet we get relatively few players in return – with the notable, and extremely successful exception of Shinji Ono.
This is where the NPL, and players like Sakhizada, can influence the broader scope of Australian football. As an avenue for player pathways, and an increasingly globalised league, the NPL’s influence cannot be underestimated.
Yet the lifestyle Australia can offer will always provide a significant drawcard for our Asian neighbours. The benefit in attracting an international Asian audience alone is worth exploring.
In a decade, upon looking back, Faisal Sakhizada may be seen as a trailblazer in this area.
But for now, however, his focus remains on doing a job for coach Nick Tolios in ensuring Kingston City stay in the top flight.