One of the leading men from Microsoft and a Director for Data Center Integration, Irfan Mirza, who for over two decades has been working for the aforementioned corporation, in an interview for N1 spoke about Bosnia and Herzegovina, the World Cup, Edin Džeko, the diaspora, and the role of technology, emphasizing that his relation towards his homeland represents a mission, which as he said, dates from 1992. Mirza, who today lives in Washington, spoke with the N1 team, which is currently in the US and following the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, near the stadium where the Dragons will play Qatar.
“I have been working for Microsoft since 2000, and cheering for Bosnia since 1992,” Mirza said. Mirza is married to a Bosnian woman originating from Donji Vakuf, with whom he has three children.
Speaking about the start of his bond with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mirza said that everything began in April 1992, when the war in Europe was a shocking experience for him, and that he then concluded his mission would last as long as he lived.
“My mission began mid-April, 1992. I tried to help in different ways and realised that my mission will not be short,” Mirza said, and added that he very quickly understood that a quick solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be reached.
“That is not a solution that will come easily, or with a goal or two. But a mission that should last longer. A marathon. More than a marathon. This is something that could last an entire lifetime,” Mirza said.
He emphasised that his relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only political or humanitarian, but broader, almost civilizational. “Such a fight, the kind of wish I carry, it is for humanity. Bosnia was always the heart of that purpose, even today,” he said. His family is also part of the same mission. He met his wife, Sabina, during the war as volunteers for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The foundation of our relation is based on the sovereignty of Bosnia, identity of Bosnians, culture, and tradition. We passed this on to our family, and family is engaged with this mission,” he emphasised.
Bosnia as a Global Story
For Mirza, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s qualification for the World Cup carries a much deeper significance than mere sports success. He believes Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves its spot among the best because it is not a host country given an immediate opportunity.
“Bosnia is a country that deserves its place at this World Cup. You fought against much stronger teams, such as Italy and Wales. You deserved this rank,” he said. As he said, Bosnia and Herzegovina is being discussed globally in a different way than three decades ago.
“30 years ago, it was a war story. Now the world is talking about Bosnia in a very positive and nice way,” Mirza said.
He added that people are particularly intrigued by the fact that many national team players come from the diaspora.
“They ask why they play for Bosnia, and not the state they were born in or live in. Now they are interested in what Bosnia has,” he added. His answer is always the same: visiting and experiencing Sarajevo is a must.
“I tell them: buy the plane ticket, fly to Sarajevo for the next annual leave, and take a look at the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Many return and say to me: “Mirza, you were right, that’s the city,” he said.
In Microsoft, the interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina increased because of Edin Džeko.
“People come and ask if Džeko will arrive, if he will play. They rejoiced that Džeko came to Seattle,” he said.
The captain of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team is a global legend.
“Džeko is a legend. It’s like Michael Jordan came. It’s the same,” he said.
Technology, Football, and Responsibility
Although Bosnia and Herzegovina dominated the conversation, Mirza also commented on the future of technology. He cited the Japanese football team, which, as he said, tied its preparations to algorithms and computer technology. The Japanese team this year was fully prepared using computer technology. They trained according to algorithms. “They don’t know how far they will go, but most importantly, it started,” he said.
He believes that technology will continue to enhance humanity ,especially in education, medicine, and everyday life.
“Technology will enhance manhood and our knowledge, medicine, in every way. I hope we will continue to progress and that our lives will be better and easier. That’s the goal of technology,” he said.
When asked what is more dangerous to humanity, man or technology, Mirza was in a dilemma.“
A man. Technology is not dangerous at all. It depends on us, on how we use it. If we use it well, the result will be positive. If we use it for bad things, it will end badly,” he said.
He added that responsibility lies with people.
“We are at the forefront of this world and are responsible for one another, our children, descendants, and the globe we are living on. It is the only globe, and we must save it somehow,” he emphasised.
A Message to Bosnians and Herzegovinians
In an interview with N1, Mirza sent an important message to all Bosnians and Herzegovinians who follow the national team and love their country.
“The Dragons are the gems of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are pearls, diamonds, the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is not only a football team,” Mirza said. According to him, the national team carries symbolism much greater than just sports.
“The Dragons are, in one way, a football team, and in the other way, they are the nation. The nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said.
His final message was clear:
“It is your country; protect what is yours. No one will protect it if you don’t.”, N1 writes.
