Meet Mirza, a Singaporean football fan and founder of Matchday Affairs. After surviving five brain surgeries and living with facial paralysis, most people would slow down. But for him, resilience became his greatest strength. Fuelled by his lifelong love for football and unwavering family support, he transformed his health battles into motivation—creating unforgettable football travel experiences for fans across Southeast Asia.
What started as a personal dream to watch Liverpool live at Anfield soon evolved into a unique travel company offering curated matchday tours that go beyond the game. With a vision to expand across the region and unite fans from all walks of life, this story proves that healing, hope, and passion can take you further than you ever imagine. This is Mirza’s story.
You have undergone surgery five times due to AVM (arteriovenous malformation) and facial paralysis. What kept you going during those dark moments?
I think it’s my family. I am extremely lucky to have such supportive parents. My wife is also very supportive, and that in itself became the pillar I held on to during my darkest times. Financially and emotionally, they have always been there for me.
What does football mean to you, especially in the context of your recovery and healing?
From a young age, I’ve loved football. I grew up playing under the void deck and pretending I was one of the famous players we saw on TV. It was during those carefree days that my love for the sport really took root. Football has always been a big part of my life.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, which restricted me from playing competitively. That love is still there, but the opportunity to fully embrace it has been limited by my health. After my fifth brain surgery, I told myself I wanted to catch Liverpool in Anfield. That idea was actually suggested by my wife, and from there, the seed was planted.
Was there a defining moment that made you realise you wanted to turn your passion for football into a real business?
There was never a formal plan. But the moment came after attending my first match at Anfield. My wife said, “Why don’t you try doing this?” At that time, I was working in the travel industry with my in-laws, so I had a platform to experiment with the idea—relatively risk-free.
I wouldn’t say it was completely without risk, but I was one of the few fortunate enough to have that opportunity. If you asked ten of your friends whether they could do the same, most would say no. I had the freedom to give it a shot because of where I was working.
After my fifth brain surgery, I told myself I wanted to catch Liverpool in Anfield. That idea was actually suggested by my wife, and from there, the seed was planted.
What are some of the biggest challenges you faced when building Matchday Affairs from the ground up?
There were many challenges. One was getting access to tickets. Another was putting our product and service in front of the right audience. Then we had to figure out the right segment to target. Over time, we narrowed it down to the late 40s to 60s age group—financially stable individuals who appreciate travel and football.
But if I had to list the most critical challenge, it’s sales. Sales are the lifeline of a company. You can have a beautiful product, but if no one buys it, it’s useless. The biggest hurdle is getting people to trust and buy from you.
How do you ensure that each trip is not just about watching a football game, but also a life-changing experience for your clients?
Just getting to experience a live match is already a dream come true for many. But what makes it more meaningful is the connection we create among the group. We build bridges. We want to be known as a community, a family.
When we travel and eat together, there’s a deeper sense of bonding—especially when you’re in a foreign country. I use makan sessions as bonding time. When you share a meal, the walls come down and people open up. My aim is to bring strangers together and leave as friends—or even family.
What is your vision for Matchday Affairs in the near future, and how do you plan to expand?
I’m currently in the process of expanding to Brunei and Malaysia. My vision is for Matchday Affairs to become a global brand. When people think of travelling to watch football, I want them to think of us—not just in Singapore, but in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Jakarta, Thailand, and even the Middle East. It’s a relatively new market, and it requires education, but I believe in the potential.
What message do you have for others who are going through tough times or who might be afraid to pursue their own passion or start a business?
Never give up. Always have faith and soldier on. No matter how tough things get, don’t give up on your dreams. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it if you persevere.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
Singapore is already a brand in itself—a trusted one. When people see a company from Singapore, especially in other countries like Indonesia or Malaysia, there’s already a level of respect and trust. My challenge is to bring Matchday Affairs to more parts of the world, but I want to do it slowly and sustainably.
I don’t want rapid growth without proper resources to support it. As for Singapore football—it’s a touchy subject, but I believe it’s heading in the right direction. It should have happened 10 years ago, but better late than never.
The introduction of initiatives like SYL and the new FAS board are steps in the right direction. I remember back in the 90s during the Malaysia Cup days—everywhere you went, people were talking about the game. Hawkers, barbers, everyone supported one team. I hope we can return to that era of pride and unity in local football.
My last question for you—who is your favourite Liverpool player?
I have two: Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler. They were the ones who made me fall in love with Liverpool.
Connect with Mirza: MatchDayAffairs, Instagram and Facebook.
