Respect And Admiration
Isye, Indonesia
Goal Click teamed up with the Homeless World Cup to tell the story of the 17th edition of the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff - through the eyes of the participating players, coaches, and volunteers. More than 500 players representing over 50 countries travelled to Wales to play in the tournament.
Isye is from Bandung City in West Java, Indonesia. The Indonesian team at the Homeless World Cup is organised by Rumah Cemara (Pine Home), a community-based organisation for people living with HIV/AIDS and people who suffer from substance abuse.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?
My name is Isye. I am 40 years old with HIV+ and I live in the city of Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. From the beginning I was good at football because my hobby since I was a kid was playing football.
Who is in the photos? Where were the photos taken?
The people in the photo are my teammates and other country teams. I love the way the team from Cambodia gather on the sidelines to compete. I saw a team manager from another country looking at the field. Maybe the manager would want to use a game strategy from another country for his team's learning. The goalkeeper from my team, the Indonesian team. He is also a good friend of mine.
Two people from the Zimbabwe team and one from the Indonesian team wanted to take a picture together at the last HWC match for a memento. The Irish team were on stage to receive the trophy as the winner. The Irish team celebrated after receiving the trophy on stage.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
I took photos during the matches and of the victory of other countries in the Homeless World Cup event. For the first time I took part in a world football event at Cardiff and it made me feel proud of myself.
What is your favourite photo?
There were two people from the Irish team who were discussing the match while carrying their country's flag. There is a familiarity in a team.
Are there any good stories connected with the people or teams you photographed?
We admire teams from other countries because we all respect each other during and outside the game.
How was your experience of the Homeless World Cup in Wales?
I was proud and happy to meet with teams from various countries.
What are the opportunities for female footballers in Indonesia?
There are opportunities for female footballers but there is no support from various parties because women are still considered weak.
Why is football so important for the Indonesia and its people?
Football is the favourite sport of the world and is loved by various groups and all ages.
What does football mean to you? What challenges has football helped you overcome?
Football for me is a hobby and also important for health for a woman with HIV+. It can be a means of information and education to the public related to various issues, especially people with HIV+ to reduce stigma and discrimination. The challenges I have overcome as a woman who likes soccer makes me more confident and motivates HIV+ women in Indonesia.
