Microsoft executive Irfan Mirza: No one else will protect BiH if you do not protect it yourselves

Speaking to N1’s team in the United States, near the stadium where Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Qatar at the World Cup, Mirza reflected on Bosnia, football, Edin Dzeko, the diaspora and the role of technology.

“I started working for Microsoft in 2000, and I started supporting Bosnia in 1992,” Mirza said.

Mirza, who lives in Washington, is married to a Bosnian woman from Donji Vakuf and has three children. He said his connection to Bosnia began in April 1992, when the outbreak of war in Europe came as a shock.

“My mission began in mid-April 1992. I tried to help in different ways and realized that my mission would not be short,” he said.

“It was not a solution that would come easily, or with one goal or two. It was a mission that had to last longer. A marathon. More than a marathon. Something that could last a lifetime,” Mirza added.

He said his bond with Bosnia was not only political or humanitarian, but part of a broader human struggle.

“That kind of fight, that kind of desire I have, is for humanity. Bosnia was at the center of that purpose, and it still is today,” he said.

Mirza met his wife Sabina during the war, through volunteer work for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The foundation of our relationship is based on Bosnia’s sovereignty, on Bosnian identity, culture and tradition. We passed that on to our family, and our family is engaged in it,” he said.

"Bosnia earned it's place"

For Mirza, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s place at the World Cup carries a meaning far beyond sport.

“Bosnia is a country that earned its place at this tournament. You fought against much stronger teams, such as Italy and Wales. You deserved this qualification,” he said.

He believes the world now speaks about Bosnia in a very different way than it did three decades ago.

“Thirty years ago, it was a war story. Now the world is talking about Bosnia in a very positive and beautiful way,” Mirza said.

He added that many people are especially intrigued by the number of Bosnian national team players who come from the diaspora.

“They ask why they play for Bosnia, and not for the countries where they were born or where they live. And now they want to know what Bosnia has,” he said.

His answer, he added, is always the same: go and see Sarajevo.

“I tell them: buy a plane ticket, take your next vacation and fly to Sarajevo, see the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Many come back and tell me, ‘Mirza, you were right, that is a real city,’” he said.

He said interest in Bosnia has also grown inside Microsoft because of Edin Dzeko.

“People come and ask me whether Dzeko will come, whether he will play. They were so happy that Dzeko came to Seattle,” Mirza said.

For him, Bosnia’s captain has the status of a global legend.

“Dzeko is a legend. It is as if Michael Jordan came to us. It is the same,” he said.

Technology, football and responsibility

Mirza also spoke about the role of technology in the future of sport and society. He pointed to Japan’s national football team as an example, saying their preparations increasingly relied on algorithms and computer technology.

“The Japanese team prepared this year 100 percent with the help of computer technology. They trained according to algorithms. I do not know how far they will go, but the most important thing is that it has started,” he said.

He believes technology will continue to improve humanity, especially in knowledge, medicine and everyday life.

“Technology will improve humanity and our knowledge, medicine, in every way. I hope we will progress even further and that life will become easier and better for us. That is the goal of technology,” Mirza said.

Asked what is more dangerous for humanity - humans or technology - Mirza had no doubt.

“Humans. Technology is not dangerous at all. It depends on us how we use it. If we use it in a good way, the result will be good. If we use it for bad things, that is how it will end,” he said.

He stressed that responsibility remains with people.

“We are at the head of this world and we have responsibility toward each other, toward our children, descendants and toward the planet we live on. It is the only planet, and we have to save it somehow,” he said.

Message to Bosnians

Mirza ended the interview with a strong message to Bosnians and Herzegovinians who follow the national team and love their country.

“The Dragons are the jewels of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are pearls, diamonds, the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is not just a football team,” he said.

According to Mirza, the national team carries symbolism much greater than sport.

“In one way, the Dragons are a football team, and in another way, the Dragons are a nation. That is the nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said.

His final message was direct:

“This is your country. Protect what is yours. No one else will protect what is yours if you do not protect it yourselves.”