Fazila Ikwaput Interview: East Bengal Talisman Opens Up on Her Journey, IWL Triumph, Asian Dream | Exclusive

'She scores when she wants, Fazila Ikwaput, she scores when she wants,' this customised fan chant from English football seems appropriate for someone like Fazila Ikwaput, who has cemented her talisman status for East Bengal Women in the last year or so.

Since her arrival at the Kolkata club, the Ugandan striker has been banging in goals - left, right and centre. After her stunning display with Gokulam Kerala, East Bengal signed her in 2025, and the purple patch has continued.

And at the continental stage, Fazila wasted little time reminding Asian football of her goalscoring prowess. The East Bengal striker struck twice against Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City WFC to inspire the Kolkata outfit to a memorable 2-1 victory in their AFC Women's Champions League (AWCL) 2026-27 Group B opener at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on November 1.

A 21st-minute penalty and a clinical finish in the 34th minute underlined the Ugandan forward's importance to the Red and Gold brigade. It was another statement performance from a player whose goals were instrumental in East Bengal's historic Indian Women's League (IWL) triumph last season.

Yet, for Ikwaput, individual numbers have never been the ultimate measure of success. Her philosophy is straightforward: help the team win first, and let personal achievements follow.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, the East Bengal forward reflected on her rise, the challenges of her early footballing days, the club's ambitions in Asia and her determination to keep improving despite an impressive goalscoring record.

Team success before individual glory

East Bengal's IWL-winning campaign was built on collective strength, and Ikwaput was quick to acknowledge the people behind the team's success. The technical staff, coaching group and the understanding among players played a significant role in helping the side achieve its objectives.

"First of all, I'll say I just give credit to the technical team, the coaches, good connection with the players. So on the target of the club, target of the team, we as players have our targets. And I personally also have my own targets."

For a striker who loves finding the back of the net, the motivation is hardly difficult to understand. However, Ikwaput insists that her personal ambitions come second to the collective cause.

"First I have to help the team win. Then my target comes after. I love scoring. So that's why I love doing it all the time."

A journey shaped by challenges

Behind the prolific goalscorer is a journey that demanded patience, resilience and an unwavering commitment to football. Growing up in Africa, Ikwaput did not have access to ideal infrastructure, and the early stages of her career were far from straightforward.

"There are so many challenges. As usual, as you're starting, there are so many challenges. But for the love of the game, you come, you enjoy it and get more, you learn more day by day. So slowly by slowly, you get that chance and love to go further."

The lack of facilities could have been a major obstacle, but her passion for the sport kept her moving forward.

"It wasn't good. It wasn't all good. Yeah, but it depends on you personally, your heart and the love you have for the game."

That determination eventually brought her to India, where she has become one of East Bengal's most influential attacking players.

East Bengal's Asian ambitions take centre stage

Having conquered domestic football, East Bengal now have their sights firmly set on continental progress. The 2026-27 AWCL campaign presents another opportunity for the club to establish itself among Asia's leading women's teams. And their start was joyous thanks to the Ugandan, who has her eyes on the AWCL.

"We missed last time, but this time around, our target is more high. And according to the scout, the technical team has done their part. The squad is so strong and I believe in every player. We are going to do our best. Our target is going to the knockout stages. So we are not looking up the group stages. We have to use this chance because we missed last time. But right now, we have to reach the knockout stages."

The goalscoring machine is still evolving

One of the most interesting aspects of Ikwaput's approach is her willingness to identify areas of improvement despite being among the most productive forwards in Indian women's football.

Scoring goals might be her biggest strength, but the East Bengal forward is equally conscious of the finer aspects of her game. Ball control and touches are among the areas she has been working on, with the coaching staff helping her sharpen those qualities.

"Of course, as a player, I might be maybe scoring goals. But there are some places I have to clear. Maybe on ball touches, ball controlling. So all is done. And that's why I said I give credit to the technical team. They have done their part and all is good."

Family remains her biggest motivation

Life in India means being away from home and family, but distance has hardly weakened Ikwaput's support system. Her performances in East Bengal colours are followed closely by her loved ones, whose reactions to her goals provide an additional source of motivation.

"They watch the matches and they love what I do. They inspire me because they really want me to be scoring all the time. When I don't score, my family feels down."

The brace against Ho Chi Minh City was a fitting reminder of why Ikwaput remains central to East Bengal's ambitions. As the Moshal Girls dream big again this season, Fazila will be their trump card if they are to match their ambitions.