www.islandstats.com continues the spotlight on the Bermuda Netball National Team selected for the Battle of the Isles tournament being held in St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, October 21st – 26th 2025.
Given the team has been selected well in advance of the tournament, we will give you our viewers the opportunity to help celebrate the athletes prior to them representing Bermuda.
We continue the series today with Zakiyah Durham.
Your Full Name:
- Zakiyah Bil’Asia Ajeni Durham
Your Team/Club:
- Storm/ Netball Bermuda Longtails
Best pre-game hype song:
- it very well depends on my mood but usually anything soca or dancehall/reggaeton
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
- If I could have a superpower it would definitely be invisibility; personal reasons.
The Athlete's Journey
How did you first get into your sport?
- When the sport was introduced to me at Northlands Primary school, I was noticed by Tanika White who then introduced me to the actual league itself. I played for Netts growing up which is now Storm.
Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model, both in and out of your sport?
- My biggest inspiration in the sport would be the younger generation, every time I watch a game it reminds me of why I grew to love netball in the first place. My biggest role models within the sport would have to be my Godma Chanae Burgess Caines, Gina Benjamin, Marissa Brangman, Kimale Evans and Tanika White. Their drive and passion for the sport has shaped, molded and paved the way for the generations to come.
What is the most valuable lesson your sport has taught you?
- Netball has played a part in teaching me a level of patience that no one can take from me. It has also taught me that you cannot stress over things that are not in your control. It is a team sport; everyone has their role to play.
Tell us about your proudest moment as an athlete so far.
- My proudest moment being an athlete has to be becoming known/well known to the younger generation because that means I am doing something right! I know a few look up to me and even aspire to be on the level I’m on but I always tell them ‘bet better than me, don’t stop when you reach a certain level of success’. Because honestly, the sky is really the limit.
What goes through your mind in the final moments of a close game or race?
- ‘Finish as strong as you can’. ‘Stay in it Zah’. I repeat this over and over even if it isn’t the end of the game. As soon as I feel myself becoming fatigue I try to self motivate by repeating these two quotes to myself.
How do you handle a tough loss or a disappointing performance?
- I think about everything I did wrong and then overthink myself into silence. Until I get into my safe space and I remind myself of everything I did right and I just self reflect.
If you weren't an athlete, what would you be doing?
- Teaching for sure!
What's one thing most people don't know about you?
- A lot of people do not know that if I am quiet, 9 times out of 10 I am thinking about something to eat.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party (can be anyone, living or historical)?
- That is a great question that I do not have an answer to at this very moment.
Words of Wisdom
What advice would you give to a young person aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
- Don’t strive to be like me, BE BETTER! You’re only as successful as you push yourself to be. If no one believes in you, make sure YOU believe in you.
Finish this sentence: "My sport means..."
- My sport means to me what cooking means to a chef; everything.
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