Syria's first female football coach hoping for new era
Maha Janoud spent years working in Syrian football before leaving the country. Following the overthrow of Bashar Assad, she holds an optimistic outlook for Syria's future, its women, and women's sports.

Since the civil war in Syria began in 2011, approximately 500,000 people have lost their lives, and according to a 2024 report by the United Nations, 14 million have been forcibly displaced, with almost half of them fleeing to other countries. Among them is Maha Janoud, Syria's first female football coach, who is currently coaching at Breidablik Academy, one of Iceland's top football clubs. Similar to many of her compatriots, she welcomed the toppling of long-time leader Bashar Assad's regime in December – even though the country's future remains unclear.
"It has been incredibly difficult to manage—my family has been separated from each other for 12 years," Janoud told Djogdja News.
I look forward to seeing you soon, and I hope that the borders of other countries will be opened to allow Syrian refugees to return. Ultimately, every Syrian deserves the opportunity to visit the place they call home, even if it's a remnant of what once was or a testament to their cherished memories.
A life's passion
For Janoud, memories of her life in her homeland are numerous. At the beginning of the century, as a teenager, she was starting out as a player. Although she achieved some success representing her country, such as a third-place finish at the 2005 West Asian Championship, she asserts that this was attributable to factors other than the Syrian Football Association (SFA).
There was no notable backing, not even a league system in place," she said. "There was only a small group of player who were enthusiastic about playing football. The federation utilised us to participate in international competitions without offering any financial assistance or developing a football league structure.
For Janoud, who took coaching courses during her playing career that concluded in 2011, this was an initial casting call of what would develop into a complicated dynamic with the Syrian Football Association. She notes that the organisation was managed by Assad's regime, which filled it with loyal officials who operated it like personal power bases to serve their financial and personal interests.
Becoming a coach
In 2018, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) required all member associations to set up technical departments for women's football. As the only woman in Syria with the required coaching qualifications and experience, Janoud was appointed as a coach – a position she claims became impossible due to the SFA.
"She would deduct the salary provided to me by the AFC and then coerce me into signing, even though I had not actually received it," she said.
At the same time, she was an assistant coach with Damascus men's club Al-Muhafaza, where she claims the government utilized her as a propaganda tool, representing the empowerment of women in the country.
I am now being hailed internationally as the first female coach in the Middle East to lead a men's team, yet, I was not even acknowledged by Syrian officials, let alone offered any moral or financial praise.
The organization received no response to its inquiry with the SFA for a statement. Nevertheless, in a move that seemingly aimed to separate itself from the previous leadership, it swiftly altered its emblem and jersey colors following Assad's departure. The organization also issued a statement expressing support for a shift away from "nepotism, favouritism, and corruption."
Watching From Overseas
By 2020, Janoud had had enough, so she left Syria to work for the AFC's Women's Council and with the Oman women's team before heading to Iceland in 2023.
A Syrian opposition military commander was appointed as transitional president on January 29, and efforts to establish a government of national unity are underway.
Syria is currently undergoing the agonies of transformation, and this hardship is a necessary step towards rebirth,
We wish the newborn to be born healthy. Our happiness following the end of the long-standing oppression that burdened us is beyond words, but we hope we don't leave the shackles of one tyrant only to be enslaved by another.
That is the worry of millions in a nation weary from 13 years of conflict.
"I'm still waiting to see the vision for governing the country, and the new constitution, because these are the foundations on which Syria and its people's future will be built," she said.
Janoud is of the opinion that come what may, those individuals who played a key role in the previous government will have to answer for their actions.
I'm referencing those who flourished within Syria's systems, exploiting the nation's hardships for personal gain, particularly those who profited from extortion and human trafficking.
Furthering the women's game
On the verge of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Now, there is hope that, if the situation stabilizes over the coming months and years, the men can become a real force.
However, the future of women's football remains uncertain. In interviews, Al-Sharaa has stated that women's education will continue and has downplayed concerns that Syria will replicate the Taliban's restrictions in Afghanistan, where women are prohibited from participating in sports, among other limitations.
Janoud is withholding judgement.
If the new framework for governance and constitution permits females' participation, it could significantly shift the country's course. We must wait and observe whether women's sports will be allowed to proceed with a designated budget. Reality, not imagination, will ultimately dictate this outcome.
It is hoped that women's football will continue to make progress, and as the most experienced female figure in the country's football scene, Janoud has the potential to be a key figure in this process.
If Syria achieves peace, is ruled by a just constitution that prohibits racism and prejudice, and ensures a respectful life for its people, I will return.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
Author: John Duerden
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