Nur Hafizah Hj Abdul Sidek is the vice-captain of the national netball team and is a three-time SEA Games bronze medallist. She not only represented Brunei in netball but also had stints with the national basketball team. We at BruSports News took a timeout to find out more about her.
Q: Let’s begin by introducing us to Nur Hafizah Hj Abdul Sidek.
A: I’m a shooter for the Royal Bees. My teammates usually call me Fiz or Fizah. I’ve always loved sports, in general and I started playing netball when I was in high school.
I love playing computer games such as Counter Strike. I also love eating and enjoy hanging out with friends. I can get very competitive in a lot of things.
I’ve always been fascinated by the universe – galaxies, stars, etc. The scope of it and the beauty of it intrigues me.
Q: You have represented Brunei in both basketball and netball. If you could only choose one sport, which one would it be?
A: It’d be Netball.
Q: What do you think is the biggest difference between the two sports?
A: For me, the biggest difference is obviously non-dribbling of the ball. Also, the number of players and the positions.
There are restrictions for most of the positions and I think that’s what makes the game even more interesting. You have to be really disciplined and responsible to carry out your own task.
Q: If not for basketball or netball, which sport do you think you will be doing?
A: This is a hard one. If Brunei had football for girls, I’d be doing that.
Q: Who do you think has the biggest influence on you for netball?
A: My netball family - my teammates and my coach - as they are inspirational people and you just want do good for them.
Q: What are the best memories so far representing Brunei in netball?
A: The best memories for me is always going to be the hard work, dedication, discipline, sweat, pain, tears, fun and happy times shared within the Royal Bees.
We’ve had the best trips in 2019. One of it would be our exposure games in Melbourne.
Q: What do you think is the most important element when playing team sports?
A: Communication, discipline and teamwork.
Q: Playing in the GS position, how do you sharpen your skills on shooting the ball?
A: Keep shooting every training session. My coach would have shooting drills for us shooters and we’d need to complete it every training session.
For me, it’s all about muscle memory and being able to overcome the mental frustrations when you can’t put the shots in.
Sometimes I still struggle on the latter but thankfully I’ve got my awesome teammates to lift me back up, always.
Q: Do you have specific diet to keep up?
A: Unfortunately, not really. I try though, every now and then.
Q: How do you make sure you are game ready entering any competition?
A: I got to make sure I feel fresh and relaxed but pumped up from the warm up - glasses on and I’m ready to go.
Q: Do you have any idols you look up to?
A: I’ve got a few. One of them is my teammate, HRH Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah, who is a great inspiration to many and also, the greatest of all time - Michael Jordan.
Q: Would you rather watch a movie or read a book?
A: Watch a movie.
Q: You have been in the netball team for a while now, what kind of advice can you give to those who might want to play the sport?
A: Knowledge is something you can never get enough of. Even for me, every day I learn something new in netball and that’s what makes it interesting. It’s what keeps me wanting to do better.
So kids, when you have started your journey, keep grinding and thrive to be the best.
Put in the hard work and it will definitely pay off. You should always believe in yourself, because you can do great things if you put your mind to it.
