AFGHAN GIRLS FIND NEW HOME IN PORTUGAL
Leaving her homeland Afghanistan was painful, says 15-year-old Sarah. But now safely in Portugal, she hopes to pursue her dream of playing football professionally — and perhaps meeting her idol Ronaldo.
Sarah was one of several players from Afghanistan’s national female youth football squad who fled their country in fear after the Taliban hardline Islamist movement seized power in August.
Portugal has granted asylum to the young footballers. “I’m free,” she said, smiling from ear-toear as she visited Lisbon’s landmark Belem Tower on the River Tagus with her mother and teammates. “My dream is to be a good player like Ronaldo — and I want to be a big business woman here in Portugal,” she said.
She hoped to go back home one day but only if she can live freely. Her mother, who requested not use their surname, had experienced first-hand a previous era of Taliban rule. She is less optimistic they will ever be able to return. “The reason we took on this mission (to evacuate the team) was to ensure they can aspire and play the sport they love,” said Farkhunda Muhtaj, captain of the Afghanistan women’s senior national team.