In the heart of Singapore, there's a football fanatic who is turning the dreams of fans into reality. Meet Mirza Salim, the driving force behind Matchday Affairs, a tour agency that brings the excitement of Premier League matches to life for passionate supporters.
Many say that Football is more than just a game—it's a feeling that connects people from all walks of life, and Mirza embodies it. As a true football lover himself, he has made it his mission to share that feeling with fans from around the world.
Credit: Mirza Salim
The inspiration behind the tours
Mirza's journey to becoming a football experience creator was far from predictable. Originally an engineer by trade, he stumbled upon the world of football tourism quite unexpectedly. After battling illness for two decades, including a life-changing operation, his desire to experience the electric atmosphere of Anfield Stadium grew stronger than ever.
Leaving his engineering career behind, Mirza took a leap of faith and head into the world of sports travel. "I accidentally stumbled into this incredible opportunity, and I knew I had to seize it," he recalls with a smile.
Credit: Mirza Salim
Joining his family's tour agency, Mirza found himself drawn to Umrah. This spiritual journey ignited his passion to create extraordinary experiences for others. With a strong drive to excel in customer service, Mirza worked tirelessly to overcome a brain deformity that impacted his speech, focusing on constant improvement and connecting with people on a deeper level.
"I've always had this burning desire to go to Anfield and experience the magic firsthand," Mirza reveals. He shared this dream with his wife, and together they embarked on a journey of research and preparation. With the unwavering support of their parents-in-law, they worked tirelessly to transform their dream into a reality.
Credit: Mirza Salim
In December 2017, Matchday Affairs was born, marking the beginning of Mirza's venture into the world of football tourism. Starting with a small group, he proved the concept and gained momentum, ultimately launching his own independent operations in 2019. Month after month, Matchday Affairs brought joy to countless fans through unforgettable experiences.
Coping with Covid
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 presented unprecedented challenges. With 50 excited fans ready to embark on their dream football pilgrimage, Mirza faced a tough decision if should he refund the money out of his pocket or risk losing the trust of his clients? With his wife's wise counsel, Mirza chose integrity over financial gain, prioritising the trust and satisfaction of his customers.
Reflecting on this difficult time, Mirza shares, "If trust is lost, that's a problem. Money can always be earned back, but trust is priceless."
In the face of adversity, Mirza's resourcefulness and resilience shone through. Eager to keep the spirit of football alive during the pandemic, he turned to YouTube for inspiration. "During COVID, I taught myself how to make a special butterbeer drink called 'Matchday Boost,' inspired by the excitement of watching football," Mirza explains.
Matchday Affairs offers a range of packages tailored to suit every football enthusiast's desires. From standard tours to all-inclusive premier packages, their offerings cater to various preferences and budgets. The company also plans to expand its horizons, venturing into other popular leagues, such as La Liga, and exploring the realm of Islamic tours, providing an even wider array of experiences for football fans.
As Mirza's journey continues, he remains driven by a deep love for football and a genuine desire to bring joy to fans around the world. His passion and dedication have earned him a special place in the hearts of those he has touched.
Favourite moment so far
Credit: Mirza Salim
Looking back on his favourite moments, Mirza recalls Liverpool's epic battle against Barcelona. Flying with Qatar Airways during Ramadan, he broke his fast at halftime, only to witness Liverpool's exhilarating 4-0 victory. It was a moment of pure joy!
In an unexpected and heartwarming gesture, the tour group surprised Mirza with a Liverpool jersey. Each member of the group signed their names on the back, leaving a lasting impression on Mirza's heart. "I was incredibly touched by the gesture," Mirza confides
Credit: Mirza Salim
The future
Mirza Salim's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion and turning dreams into reality. Through Matchday Affairs, he has created a platform for football fans to embark on extraordinary adventures, forging lifelong memories along the way.
P.S. Congratulations on making it to the end of the article! Here's the promo code!
Join our channel!Join HHWT’S channel
Related Articles
Save or share this article
