CONNECTOR.AE 54 CONNECTOR.AE 55 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE But fate had other plans. A call from UAE women’s teamhead coach and Emirati cricketer, Mr. Ahmed Raza, inviting her to join the national campchanged everything. “It came as a complete surprise,” she says. “We had sent him some videos of my batting, and fortunately, my connection to the UAE, having been born there, made the transition smoother”. This unexpected opportunity marked a fresh start for Keziah, who soon found herself representing the UAE on the international stage. It is inspiring how, despite facing doubt and uncertainty, Keziah found encouragement from her family, friends and teammates to explore new avenues for growth, an unwavering resilience that continues to reward her today. A definingmoment was her debut match at the TriNation Series between Namibia, Zimbabwe and the UAE, where her team became the champions of the tournament. “Winning the tournament was surreal,” she says, “It was a validation of all the hard work and sacrifices I had made”. Speaking about her experience playing for the UAE team, she says “representing the UAE has boosted my confidence not only as a cricketer, but also as a person. It pushes me to work harder, stay focused and strive to be the match-winner for my team. Nothing beats the feeling of playing for your country and competing at the international level”. Inspirations And Role Models Keziah is currently doing her personal practicewith Raiphi Vincent Gomez who played Indian Premier League cricket and also the mentor to Sanju Samson, another famous cricketer. Apart from these two stars, she also finds great inspiration in the journey of Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal. “His rise from hardship to achieving his dreams through sheer dedication and love for the game motivates me deeply. His story reminds me that no matter the challenges, hard work and perseverance will always lead the way. It’s a constant source of motivation for me, pushing me to keep striving, no matter the obstacles”, she says. “Winning the tournament was surreal,” she says, “It was a validation of all the hard work and sacrifices I had made”. “It’s possible to make a living while doing something you love. For children, sports is an exciting avenue and an opportunity to grow and achieve their dreams.” as men, Keziah’s story of resilience reminds us that sports is not just about entertainment for the spectators but also, more critically, about the way one responds to life itself. Inspiring The Young Talents Keziah’s story is particularly inspiring for young girls who dream of pursuing sports professionally. She believes that sports have the power to empower and transform lives. “Playing sports builds character, teaches discipline and instils valuable life lessons”, she says. Keziah wants to remind the young sportsenthusiasts that “one of the biggest lessons sports teaches is how to handle failures. It prepares you to face life’s challenges with resilience and determination, making you more equipped to navigate hardships both on and off the field.” To parents who may hesitate to encourage their children to pursue sports, Keziah has a clear message, “It’s possible to make a living while doing something you love. For children, sports is an exciting avenue and an opportunity to grow and achieve their dreams.” Keziah is also inspired by her fellow teammates and their unique skills and strengths, and also reiterates the importance of an immediate family member who believes in their children’s dream and passion. “My biggest inspiration will always be my father, both in cricket and in life. The way he has guided me, with his wisdom and patience, has shaped who I am today”, she added. Challenging Perceptions As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Keziah is acutely aware of the challenges female athletes face. Keziah had to confront questions from many quarters regarding her choices, particularly regarding whether cricket is an appropriate path for young women. “One thing I wish would change is the perception that women are less competitive than men”, she says. “We train just as hard, sacrifice just as much and are equally committed to pushing our limits. Women athletes deserve the same respect and support as male athletes”. Keziah’s determination to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for future generations is evident in every word she speaks. “It’s time to recognise that women in cricket are just as qualified and deserving of the spotlight”, she asserts. In a world where women are typically not encouraged to fight against setbacks in life or in career as much “It’s time to recognise that women in cricket are just as qualified and deserving of the spotlight”
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