{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6670a4f4abc94e798173d2c7/68cda78ff5e00f6ca43bc6f5?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"73. Zed - Afghan Women's Team in America: Kabul to Houston","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6670a4f4abc94e798173d2c7/1758307950976-85207f14-17d2-4edc-a2a4-b2c6ef529409.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>From Afghanistan to Houston: Zed Sultani's Journey in Football</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of 'Don't Know Much About Football,' we welcome Zed Sultani, a rising star in international football from Afghanistan, along with Sarah, who supports her career. Zed shares her inspiring journey from playing football in Afghanistan to joining the Afghan women's national team and ultimately relocating to Houston. She discusses the challenges faced by Afghan female athletes, her training routines, and her current play with Houston Shine FC. We also touch on the impact of geopolitical issues and choices FIFA has made on her career and the collective effort to support Afghan women in football through community initiatives. Tune in to hear Zed's extraordinary story and the resilience and hope that continue to drive her.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Welcome and Zed's Journey into Football</p><p>02:14 Early Football Career in Afghanistan</p><p>03:19 Transition to the United States</p><p>07:01 Training and Playing in Houston</p><p>11:58 Life Beyond Football</p><p>12:42 Team Dynamics and Friendships</p><p>15:10 Leaving Afghanistan: A New Beginning</p><p>18:29 FIFA's Role in Assisting Afghan Players</p><p>24:26 Formation of Houston Shine FC</p><p>28:35 Life and Aspirations of Afghan Players in Houston</p><p>29:56 Support Needed for Afghan Players</p><p>32:11 Conclusion and Future Hopes</p><p><br></p><p>Cover Art: Photos by Peter Molick</p><p>Houston Shine FC: https://houstonshinefc.org/</p><p>Donate to support Zed and the team: https://houstonshinefc.org/donate.html</p><p>See the film teaser about these Afghan women's team players' journey to Houston: https://houstonshinefc.org/thefilm.html</p>","author_name":"Ian Storrar, Karlo Marcelo, Sarah Hamilton"}