Born in Mosul in 1981, Hawar Mullah, twenty three years later is one of the major forces behind the rebuilding of Iraqi football. A talented winger with a reputation for putting the ball in the net, Hawar has added a much needed attacking touch to both the National and Olympic squads. Recently during Iraq's qualification run for the World Cup, shakomakonet met with the Quwa Al Jawiya star for a brief look into his mindset on and off the pitch. Catch Hawar, only here, on his way up, up, and away.

shakomakonet: Hawar, tell us more about your footballing start?
Hawar: I started playing on the youth side of Mosul FC before my eventual move to the starting lineup. From then, my move to Baghdad came at the hands of Al Quwa Al Jawiya. I was fortunate to play well with them which prompted my selection for the national youth team. Since then, I have played with the senior and Olympic teams as well.

shakomakonet: Has national team coach Bernd Stange been good for Iraqi football?
Hawar: Stange is a good coach. He has benefited us on the national and Olympic levels by setting up training camps and friendly matches. He has allowed us to play in some tough competitive matches. Coming up soon for us will be the Italian national squad plus a friendly tournament set in conjunction with the English Premier League. Stange has been good for Iraqi football.

shakomakonet: Stange has received criticism for his choice of players on game day, what do you think?
Hawar: Everybody has made mistakes.

shakomakonet: Do you think Iraqi football is heading in the right direction?
Hawar: The situation in Iraq is unstable so problems are there and will continue. We aren't comfortable, and we don't feel safe. But the football itself is in good shape.

shakomakonet: Hawar, tell our readers about the good relationship that Kurds and Arabs enjoy on the squad.
Hawar: On the team, there are two Kurds, myself and Rafid Badr Al Deen. There is absolutely no difference between being a Kurd or an Arab on the team.

shakomakonet: Is there a game or goal that you will never forget?
Hawar: I'll never forget our game against North Korea (2004 Asia Olympic Qualifying). We won by four goals to one.

shakomakonet: What do you like to listen to, and what food do you like to eat?
Hawar: Kadhum Al-Saher, and Bania.