The 17-year-old St. Narsai Assyrian Christian College student, came on in the 74th minute and had some nice touches, in her brief cameo.
Her school led the tributes for Zumaya, who is completing her HSC this year.
“Congratulations to Year 12 student Miriam Zumaya on making her debut for the Western Sydney Wanderers yesterday at CommBank Stadium,” said St Narsai Assyrian Christian College, in a public statement.
“Balancing her senior studies alongside her sporting pursuits is an outstanding achievement, and we are proud to see Miriam shine in this exciting milestone.
“We look forward to following her journey and celebrating her continued success both on and off the field.”
Zumaya, one of the most talented graduates from the Wanderers Women’s Academy, and a childhood Wanderers’ fan, is touted as a star of the future and her debut has been well earned.
A Southern Districts Raiders junior, Zumaya came through under the watchful eye of Wanderers’ legend Cath Cannuli. She played First Grade women’s football for the Raiders in 2023, despite being only 15, and her rapid progress was underlined with her debut for the Red & Black.
“A massive congratulations to SD Raiders FCs Miriam Zumaya, affectionately known to us as Mimi, on her A-League debut last Friday with Western Sydney Wanderers,” said the Raiders in a Club statement.
“Joining at eight-years-old in 2016, Mimi progressed through to our Women's First Grade at the age of 15. Wishing her all the best in her exciting football adventure.”
An Australian representative in futsal, Zumaya is known for her fleet footed skills, and her ability to get past opponents in tight spaces. She is also known for scoring clutch goals in important moments.
With the number of injuries experienced by the Wanderers’ squad in recent weeks, one of the silver linings is that fans of the Red & Black will get to see more of their bright future stars.
It was a special occasion for Zumaya for more reasons than one, fittingly in Multicultural Round, she celebrated her debut with fellow Assyrian Queens in Alvina Khoshaba and Sham Khamis.
Khoshaba came on late, while Khamis made seven important saves across the 90 minutes to earn the Wander Women an important point.
Zumaya will one of a number of young women who will be inspired by the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks-off on March 1, when the Matildas host the Philippines in Perth.
Western Sydney has a rich history in the Women’s Asian Cup. The number one capped Matilda Pat O’Connor, who first played football for Bass Hill RSL, captained Australia in the inaugural 1975 event.
Kyah Simon, who hails from Quaker’s Hill Junior Soccer Club, netted the winning penalty in the 2010 Final against North Korea.
