FIFA MASTER ALUMNI - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ZARINA BAHDUR

Zarina Bahdur

Current Position: Head of Editorial Operations GOAL Africa, Board Member of Africa Sports Unified and Consultant

Year of graduation: 2014 (14th edition)

Nationality: South African

What does your current role involve?

I am a multifaceted sports business contributor and provider. Joining GOAL in 2015 as a freelancer, I went on to become the Head of Editorial Operations Africa in 2019, while still being fortunate enough to serve on the board of Africa sports Unified in an advisory capacity and having the leeway to do freelance work in communications, marketing and other projects as long as there was no conflict between my permanent role and my other work. 

Africa Sports Unified is an organisation which drives sports development, education and business on the African continent. With them, I have been serving as a mentor and advisor. My consulting role has been my longest serving since the mid 2000's, whereby I have been, and continue to be involved, in project management and communication. This most often includes press-related initiatives as well as business and sponsorship proposals, along with marketing and brand development. Much of what I have learnt over the years has been put to great use in my roles at GOAL which is a leading digital football publication globally and in Africa. While holding the title of the operation, working in a small team with limited resources has meant getting involved in all aspects of the business. My role has been very people focused with the management of the African social media team as well as collaboration with the African and Global multimedia, editorial and social teams to grow our African social media presence. This includes developing partnerships and maintaining relationships with football stakeholders as well as commercial partners, particularly through individualized projects both on-site and in person. There is a lot of process development, strategy, reporting and mentorship involved in the role too.

Which aspects of the FIFA Master course have helped you most in your career?

It's very difficult to point to just one or two things or even a handful of things. It's been ten years since I started the FIFA Master and I find that different aspects have played a role in different ways over the years and in different situations. I have a curious mind by nature so the Sports History module gave perspective on why things are the way they are, or have been, and why there has to be change and how these changes happen. I find I now use this knowledge in my mentorship roles. Contractual law has served me well in my own negotiations as well as in the initiatives I have worked on. My experiences have taught me how to do things, and even how not to do things at times!

The FIFA Master provided great insight into global perspectives. Even when we didn't cover content from certain countries or regions specifically in class, just from having classmates from around the world meant we had opportunities to learn anyway. What was interesting is how many organisations and people are dealing with the same challenges, be it in Europe, Africa or South America and how each of them deals with those challenges in different ways. It was about learning to understand how vastly different cultures are and the nuances when putting something into place. Moving from country to country during the FIFA Master also helps this process in so many ways. 

My personal growth was instrumental too. The shift in mindset, understanding oneself, the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and obstacles that would not have been as clear or even known both personally and professionally had I not taken that year. 

And of course, it is great to have a new network of people from across the world that are friends, colleagues, mentors and peers with whom I can touch base for advice, guidance and collaboration. 

What advice would you give to future students on the course?

I often say that the FIFA Master is, in a way, a social experiment in itself and one that will reveal your true self more than anything. Your fears, hopes, skills, ignorance, and so on. So, embrace it all! 

Embrace the experience and don't be afraid to ask hard questions or look silly when asking them. Have conversations about everything. Believe it or not, even the most mundane appearing conversations leave an impact. Don't be afraid to evolve and let go of what you thought was the norm. Because, there is nothing more challenging or enlightening than a group of about thirty people from different parts of the world being thrown together. It will bring out the best, worst or insecurities in you on a personal and professional level. However, the people, personal connections, conversations, time for reflection and understanding yourself will most often serve you better far more in the long run. These are the things that will take you forward, and these are the things memories and successful careers are built on.

FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked No.1 Course in Europe 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 by the SportBusiness International global rankings.

Organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (United Kingdom), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland).