Jackman, 36, will be presented with her official New Zealand Football blazer at the home leg of the Football Ferns’ Olympic Qualifier Play-off against Papua New Guinea in Whangarei this Saturday and says the decision to call time on a distinguished career was not an easy one.
“It’s been on my mind over the past couple of years and at one stage I was going to go all out for the World Cup and Olympics and end it there,” Jackman says.
“But the psychological challenge of being in and out took its toll. I had a chat with Ferns coach Tony Readings in terms of where he saw me leading into the Olympic Games. I just thought I don’t know if I have the patience or the will to do it anymore. I guess I just wanted to do something different while I still can, while I am still young enough.”
Jackman’s 50th cap during World Cup qualifying in October 2010 proved to be her last, coming 17 years after her 1993 debut against Canada in New York. She retires as one of just 13 women to play 50 or more ‘A’ internationals for New Zealand and her longevity at the highest level is borne out by the fact that all but three of those players made their debut after Jackman.
Jackman has a host of successes to reflect upon but one in particular will be more fondly remembered than all others.
“The one achievement that really stands out was being part of the FIFA World XI in China in 2007. To play with some of the best players in the world, and be recognised as one of them, was pretty humbling,” Jackman says.
Beginning her career as a striker, Jackman’s dozen goals for New Zealand is bettered by only six players and includes a streak of hat-tricks in three consecutive matches – a feat yet to be repeated by a Kiwi. Not a bad return for a youngster who got noticed as a 14-year-old when tackling coach Kevin Fallon and being mistaken for a boy. That resulted in an invitation down to Fallon’s school of excellence.
Although Jackman is bowing out of competitive football, she has been offered the opportunity to take a closer look at a potential career in coaching with Readings fully supportive. With so many Football Ferns based overseas as full-time professionals, Jackman will continue to train with the squad to add experience.
“She’s been the consummate pro on and off pitch, a natural leader and a great personality to have in the camp. She’s been inspirational to a lot of the younger players that have come through and established themselves now. We’ll be trying to keep her involved in some shape or form as she still has a lot to offer the game,” Readings says.
“Maia is a legend in the women’s game and I don’t use that term lightly. To have a career that spans different eras like she has is phenomenal. And to evolve and adapt in that time to be able to compete in the modern game and in different positions is just outstanding.”
New Zealand Football plan to honour Jackman’s contribution to the sport by presenting her with an official blazer – a process the association began last year to honour its past players.
The MVP trophy for the ASB Women’s Knockout Cup final will also be renamed the Maia Jackman Trophy in honour of her achievements in that competition – which she won five times as a player – and her overall contribution to women’s football in New Zealand.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
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