Central Coast forward Rola Badawiya has revealed her desire to represent the Matildas as the Mariners bid to do the unthinkable and reach the grand final in their first season back in the A-League Women.
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Badawiya, who was born in the US to parents of Palestinian descent, faces former club Sydney FC at Gosford Stadium on Sunday in the first of a two-legged semi-finals.
And the striker says her time in the ALW has led to her considering her international eligibility, stating for the first time that her heart now lies with Australia.
"I have got official residency in Australia so my dream and ambition is to play for Australia one day," Badawiya told AAP.
The forward has impressed for the Mariners this season, scoring seven goals and registering two assists across their 23 games.
The 25-year-old is happy in her football but admits the conflict in Gaza has never been far from her mind.
Badawiya's father, Yousef, was born in the enclave and counts several relatives among the 34,000 Palestinians killed over the last six months.
"It's been very hard to see what's going on and I can only do my part, donating, spreading awareness - I post a lot about it and my teammates ask a lot of questions," Badawiya said.
"It's been hard especially seeing that it's not getting better - to me it's black and white - how can nobody be helping when so many children are dying?
"My dad was born in Gaza and moved to the US at 16... there are multiple members of my family there who have died."
"All I can do is my part, pray, and spread awareness."
Badawiya is relishing the chance to continue raising her profile against reigning champions Sydney over the next fortnight.
The Sky Blues have been one of the most dominant teams in recent ALW campaigns, but the Mariners appear to have their measure after picking up four of a possible six points in their two meetings across this season..
"Sydney are probably scared because they have everything to lose, we have nothing to lose, Badawiya said.
"We've proved everyone wrong by not coming last in our first year back in the league and getting to the finals.
"(Playing against Sydney) is bittersweet, I really love those girls and I enjoyed my time there and wanted more playing time.
"I'll hug them before the game... but when the whistle blows, we're enemies."
Australian Associated Press
