SHAH ALAM - Team dynamics in women's national football have shifted, with Gen Z players showing respect but struggling with communication and often making assumptions, leading to misunderstandings, according to a former national player.
Former Malayan Tigress goalkeeper Nur Izwani Azman, better known as Niena Azman, shared her thoughts on how respect and teamwork have evolved among younger footballers.
Having been part of the women’s national football scene since 2005, Niena recalled a time when senior players commanded great respect, their words carried weight and younger teammates followed instructions without hesitation.
"There was a natural sense of deference, not out of fear, but as part of the team culture.
"However, with today’s players, particularly Gen Z, I’ve noticed a shift. While respect is still there, many lack strong communication skills.
"They tend to make assumptions instead of asking for clarification, often responding with phrases like, ‘Oh, I thought...’ or ‘I think so?’ They can also be quick to judge and when poor communication combines with this, it leads to misunderstandings,” she said during Sinar Daily’s Sports Matters Podcast.
Niena shared an example from a WhatsApp group, where she would ask players to confirm their availability for a friendly match, only to receive silence instead of a prompt reply.
Many players think, "I’ll check later,” requiring multiple reminders before responding, whereas players from the past would reply instantly with enthusiasm—"Okay, on! Yes, I can play!”
"They had a stronger sense of team spirit and commitment. That’s why, as the older generation, we need to adjust our approach when engaging with younger footballers.
"Rather than coming across as nagging or overbearing, we should take on the role of a supportive and approachable ‘sister’ figure. This doesn’t mean changing our personalities entirely, but adapting our communication style to foster better connections.
"Football is a team sport, and building a strong, cohesive team environment begins with understanding and bridging generational gaps,” she said.