Former Scotland striker named first-ever manager of Afghan women's refugee team

Scottish Sun

a day ago

They previously played Celtic, Hibs and Kilmarnock - and once coached at Rangers
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A FORMER Scotland striker has been appointed head coach of the newly-formed Afghan women's refugee football team.
Afghan women have been banned from playing sport in the country since the Taliban came to power in 2021.
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Girls of the Afghan National Development Squad - all of whom are refugees
Credit: The Times
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Pauline Hamill during her days as a Scotland international
Credit: Les Gallagher - The Sun Glasgow
Back in May, Fifa gave the green light to set up a new team for female players of Afghan nationality who had obtained refugee status abroad, allowing them to play in official matches.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been leading the process, which will now see players gather for three "talent identification camps" in order to populate a squad.
These training camps will not only decide who makes the team but they will offer players psychological care, safeguarding and better access to nutrition and physical preparation.
Ex-Scotland, Hibs and Celtic striker Pauline Hamill has been chosen by Fifa to be the first-ever manager of the team.
Hamill, 53, earned 141 caps for the Scotland women's national team and scored 29 goals during an illustrious international career.
She played for Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Doncaster Rovers ad Celtic among others at club level before retiring in 2011.
An experienced coach, she worked with the Scotland women's under-17s between 2010 and 2017 before moving up to the under-19s for six years.
In 2023 she was named head coach of the Saudi Arabia women's under-20s (a first for the country).
Hamill holds a Uefa Pro Licence and headed up the SFA Women's National Academy at the University of Stirling before moving to the Middle East.
She made history way back in 2003 too, when she was still a player, when she became the first ever female coach at Rangers, being appointed to a youth development role at the Ibrox club.
Nicolas Kuhn poses for selfies with Celtic fans as he greets team-mates and Brendan Rodgers at Como Cup
Hamill described the job as a "no-brainer" and a "privilege" and that she hopes the initiative will have a long-lasting impact.
She said: "I was super excited, honestly, as soon as I was offered the role.
"From the very start, something about the job was really pulling me in.
"So, when I had the opportunity to lead the team, for me it was an absolute no-brainer. It's a privilege to be invited into this project.
"This is going to be something really special, and I think it's something that they'll remember forever.
"It's more than just a football journey. This is something that will have a lasting effect on people."
Infantino said upon announcing Hamill's new role: "We're proud to have Pauline Hamill guiding this team on such a meaningful journey.
"Her experience, empathy and dedication will be a powerful source of strength and inspiration for these courageous players.
"Fifa stands firmly with Afghan women - at home and in exile - and remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can pursue their football dreams and be seen, heard and supported on the international stage."
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