Beyond the Arena: Nurhafizah

Beyond the Arena: The Physiotherapist Who is Always on the Ball

Image caption: Sport Physiotherapist Nurhafizah plays a crucial role in keeping Singapore’s national footballers at the top of their game. (Photo: Goh Si Wei)

Keeping Singapore's national footballers in top form takes more than taping ankles and icing muscles — it demands the expertise of seasoned professionals like Nurhafizah Abu Sujad. As Head Physiotherapist for the Men’s National Football Team (the Lions), she meticulously monitors players’ conditions, plans and provides treatment and rehabilitation, and mentors junior physiotherapists. Nurhafizah is driven to help athletes recover quickly and safely, as she knows the agony of being sidelined with an injury.

A champion in her field

A knee ligament tear sustained while playing for Singapore's under-21 netball team, coupled with family responsibilities, prompted Nurhafizah to shift her focus from competitive sports to academics. Inspired by her passion for helping others, she pursued physiotherapy, launching a career that began in Changi General Hospital and the Ministry of Defence.

Five years later, her former netball coach invited her to become the youth team's physiotherapist, marking her return to the sport she loved. “I was more than happy to be involved, even in another capacity,” she says. This transition into sports physiotherapy eventually led her to join the Football Association of Singapore in 2012.

Growing up in a family of professional footballers, Nurhafizah watched her late father­ — a former Lion — coach local players and cheered for her brother on the field. Even so, serving as a physiotherapist for the sport is not easy. “You need lots of hard work, reading, and learning new things so you’re well-equipped with the latest evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation solutions,” she explains.

Image caption: Singapore professional football players (from left to right) Song Ui-young, Hassan Sunny, and Ilhan Fandi with Nurhafizah in Japan for the Men’s National Team training camp in 2022. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

Keeping Lions on their feet

Nurhafizah’s dedication paid off at the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, her first win with the Lions. When a key player was injured in the opening match, she worked closely with the medical personnel, coaches, and player to implement a treatment plan. This enabled his return for a crucial win against Laos to secure Singapore's advancement to the semi-finals. “We gave him safe, measurable goals that enabled him to train and make the bench,” she recalls, emphasising that a team's success hinges on having both strong starters and substitutes.

After two decades in physiotherapy, Nurhafizah acknowledges that success in this field requires sacrifice. Workdays are long and learning is continuous, but the experiences are priceless, especially the camaraderie she shares with the team. “You’ll definitely enjoy every moment working, helping our athletes excel to the greatest heights,” she says.

Image caption: Nurhafizah providing treatment to Anumanthan Kumar, a defensive-midfielder for the Singapore Premier League club Lion City Sailors and the Singapore National Team. (Photo: Goh Si Wei)

Nurhafizah's journey exemplifies how passion, expertise, and dedication can open doors to fulfilling sports industry careers that extend beyond the arena. Watch the video to learn more about what she does!