Australia v South Africa: All You Need To Know

Whilst the Matildas stars playing in England are well known to the local audience, Saturday’s clash at Kingsmeadow gives fans a chance to see a group of hugely exciting Australian football stars that may not be quite so well known. Impetus’ Kieran Yap, Ben Gilby, Jonathan Tay, and Kris Goman profile five players, plus our African Women’s Football correspondent Emmanuel Faith brings us the low down on the South Africa squad.

Above: Coming to a football stadium near you – The Matildas. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

The Matildas. Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, Kyah Simon, Hayley Raso, Alanna Kennedy, Emily Gielnik – all top players plying their trade in the Women’s Super League. Yet the Australian team who step out on South West London soil on Saturday to face South Africa contain a whole host of hugely exciting players that local fans need to keep an eye on.

Charli Grant

by Ben Gilby

Above: Charli Grant (8) pictured on her full-debut for Australia in the AFC Asia Cup in January this year. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant, Photo: Football Australia.

Whilst the loss of Ellie Carpenter with an ACL injury is a huge one for Australia, they can point to having one of the game’s most sparkling youngsters to come in and establish herself as the outstanding international defender that she has promised to be for quite some time.

The 21-year-old had a break-out year in 2021 with a sensational series of performances for Adelaide United in what was then the W-League earning a move to top Swedish side Rosengård. Add in her first call-ups for the national side and a trip to the Olympic Games with The Matildas and it was the stuff of dreams.

This year, Grant has established herself in the Matildas team with several impressive performances. One, in particular, came in exceptionally tough circumstances in Spain earlier this year when a heavily weakened Australian team went down 7-0 to a Spanish side just heading to the Euros.

Above: Charli Grant battling for possession on her full-debut for Australia in January. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant. Photo: Football Australia.

It was a game in which Grant admitted she “learned a lot. I had to stay so focused. I had to focus on one thing at a time – each individual thing as it happened. One tackle at a time, one pass at a time. It will definitely help me going into future games.” It was a performance that won Grant the Matildas player of the match award.

After that match Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson spoke of “losing a game, but maybe winning a player.” For me, he did win a player that night in Charli Grant. She fulfilled everything that people who have watched her develop for several years knew was there.

The South Australian has everything you want from a modern-day defender. The pace to burn in launching attacks on top of an ability to watch the game develop in front of her as well as a supreme ability in being alert to and snuffing out danger from multiple players around her due to a naturally ingrained sense of positioning.

Charli Grant is the real deal and would make waves in the WSL should she ever have an opportunity to move here.

Cortnee Vine

by Kris Goman

Above: Cortnee Vine in action for Australia during the AFC Asia Cup in January. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Cortnee Vine is a 24-year-old who has played the entirety of her professional career in the W-League and A-League Women (ALW), establishing herself as one of the leading players in the competition.

The Sydney FC star plays on the right, usually on the wing but with experience at right back too. Known for her gang busting runs down the flank and impeccable crosses, Vine is an explosive player who exciting to watch. She’s fast and tenacious, like a terrier, and doesn’t give up in a tackle either.

Capable of scoring some spectacular goals, her real strength is in the assists. She can put the ball to the feet or the head of the striker from distance and can read the play well enough to know the perfect spot to deliver the ball to. Vine is an impact player so expect an explosion when she takes the field.

Above: Cortnee Vine (left) pictured on a typical run along the wing and shaping to cross into the box. Here she takes on her international team-mate Emma Checker. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Vine’s first taste of senior football came at the age of 16 when she became a train-on for Brisbane Roar and soon after received her first W-League contract. She was with the Queensland side until she was 18, and in that time was selected for the Young Matildas and remained in that squad until she turned 20.

After playing for Heidelberg United in the Victoria NPLW, Vine then signed a contract with the Newcastle Jets in the W-League where she stayed from 19 to 21 years old, playing for Sydney University as her NPL club. In 2019, she signed for Western Sydney Wanderers for a year and also changed NPL clubs to Sydney Olympic. The following year, at 22 years old, she signed with Sydney FC.

Vine has not looked back since, starting every match of the 20/21 season with Sydney, scoring four goals, until she injured her MCL in the second last game of the regular season, meaning she missed her team’s Finals campaign. Many thought that she was playing so well that she deserved a Matildas call up but the injury put paid to that. Thankfully she recovered over the off-season and was able to start again with Sydney for the 21/22 ALW season. She picked up where she left off and the long-awaited call-up came soon enough.

Above: Cortnee Vine (jumping) in training for Saturday’s game with South Africa at Australia’s South-West London training camp. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

At the beginning of 2022, she got invited to the Matildas camp in UAE and was selected for the final Asian Cup squad. Vine got her first cap against the Philippines on 24th January and has been part of the squad since, earning seven caps.

In the interim, her season with Sydney FC saw them win the premiership and be runners-up in the Grand Final once more, and Vine scored another nine goals along the way. She’s back with the Harbour City side once more for the forthcoming ALW season.

Courtney Nevin

by Jonathan Tay

Above: Courtney Nevin – one of Australia’s bright young things. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

For some time now, The Matildas have been desperately searching for defensive help.

Whether due to a lack of talent or the requisite development pathways, arguably outside of the current starting back-four, there have been question marks surrounding all other candidates, particularly within the Tony Gustavsson era.

With a home World Cup on the horizon, the urgency levels have risen. The absences of Arsenal’s Steph Catley for recent friendlies and Lyon’s Ellie Carpenter, out long term (ACL), have magnified the public focus on the need to build depth on the backline.

That’s where left-back Courtney Nevin comes into the picture. One of a host of young players who Gustavsson has blooded and attempted to integrate into the Australian squad, Nevin made her debut in a pre-Olympics friendly against Denmark last year. With the versatility to play either as a wingback or left-sided central defender, she has now become a fixture for international call-ups, racking up 14 caps for the Matildas.

Offering solidity and stability in an otherwise in-flux Melbourne Victory backline last season, Nevin played in 15 of 17 matches, including their victorious Grand Final match. Throughout their title-winning campaign, the 20-year-old showed an ability to buzz up and down the left flank, and bend parabolic balls into the box, both from open play and from set pieces.

Nevin, along with Victory teammate Kyra Cooney-Cross, earned a first international move abroad for the 2022 season, signing on with Hammarby IF of Sweden. She has been an almost ever-present on the left side in the Damallsvenskan, chipping in with two goals and four assists for the club. Recently, that flexibility has been on display, with the Australian moving into more of a centre-back role, to make space for ex-Chelsea defender Jonna Andersson out on the wing.

There is a combative side to Nevin’s game as well; she relishes defensive duels, unafraid of leaving her mark on opponents. At times, this can lead to youthful overzealousness – she has been lucky to have escaped a red card in each of her past two starts for the Matildas against Portugal and Canada.

The consistency which comes with maturity is something still to be honed in her game, with glaring defensive lapses of concentration and misplaced passes still an occasional issue. Ideally, with greater experience and exposure in Europe, she adjusts to a faster pace of play and level of competition.

For Australia though, there is a lot of hope being placed on Nevin’s shoulders. With her teenage years still large in the rearview mirror, there is yet a long runway for her to fulfil her potential – Matildas fans will just be crossing their fingers that it’s realised sooner rather than later.

Katrina Gorry

by Kieran Yap

Above: Midfield maestro Katrina Gorry. Photo: Football Australia.

Katrina Gorry is currently Australia’s best midfielder and a favourite of Australian fans, and has been for a very long time. At the age of 30, the Vittsjö GIK and Brisbane Roar playmaker (she divides her year between the A-League Women and the Damallsvenskan) has been a star for club and country.

Gorry qualified Australia for the 2016 Olympics with a brilliant individual qualifying tournament. She scored the winning goal against North Korea with just eight minutes to play to cap off a gruelling and intense tournament in style. A year earlier, she was crown the AFC Player of the Year for 2014. Seven years on, Gorry’s powers have not diminished.

‘Mini’ as she is affectionately known is diminutive in stature but powerful and skilful with the fitness to dominate a match from midfield. She has quick feet, and the bravery and confidence to receive the ball under pressure and usually move it forward. Her most spectacular asset is her shooting. Brisbane Roar have one of the leagues most unstoppable weapons in her right foot than can either be a wand to bypass defenders or a sledge hammer to render goalkeepers helpless.

Gorry’s role for the national team is slightly different from at club level. Week to week, she is used in a more attacking position. At Brisbane, she is given almost free reign to wander about the pitch knitting the team together and scheming to release Roar’s pacey attack.

For The Matildas, coach Tony Gustavsson has used her in a deeper role. The manager has been without an experienced player in the “six” position for his entire tenure. Gorry’s ability to control possession and the tempo of s game has helped Australia regain composure in the middle of the park.

Under the previous national team managers, Gorry was either used off the bench or not at all since 2016. Gustavsson has made her central to his recent plans. Gorry gives The Matildas style and grit in an essential position. Regular visitors to Kingsmeadow who loved watching Ji So Yun play will enjoy seeing Katrina Gorry in full flight.

Kyra Cooney-Cross

by Kieran Yap

Above: The outrageously talented Kyra Cooney-Cross. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is a full decade younger than Gorry, but already has five seasons of professional football under her belt. The 20-year-old made waves as a speedy winger or striker for Melbourne Victory before moving up to Western Sydney Wanderers in 2019 after two seasons.

In an impressive Wanderers side, Cooney-Cross flourished. She was supported on field by US internationals Lynn Williams and Kirsten Hamilton and future Bristol City and Lazio midfielder Ella Mastrantonio.

She was given more game time at Western Sydney and quickly developed into a star of the A-League Women’s as the club reached the top four for the first time in their history.

Upon her return to Melbourne Victory the following season, she reached another level. At just 18, Cooney-Cross was given almost total freedom by manager Jeff Hopkins as Victory charged to a Grand Final win.

Although she spent most of her time in the central areas of the pitch. She used her pace, tenacity, and ball control to dribble through the middle of the ground and break open play.

Her passing range has developed impressively and while she is still developing at international level, she is still able to use that vision and technique to spread play and set up attacks for Australia.

Cooney-Cross has been around the senior Matildas squad for some time. She trained with the team prior to the 2019 World Cup, and made her senior debut at the Tokyo Olympics. In friendly matches against Brazil she looked completely at home against strong opposition and although shifted to a wing against Canada, she was able to get a few shots on target despite Australia’s lacklustre performance in Brisbane.

She is a unique talent. Still raw in many ways but extremely exciting to watch. She is capable of winning the ball on her own and running the length of the pitch with well-timed burst of acceleration.

The youngster is more than just a tremendous individual player. In Victory’s 2021/22 injury-hit season, she adjusted her game and curbed her natural freewheeling instincts to sit deep and play disciplined football to protect Melbourne’s makeshift defence.

Cooney-Cross came under criticism for her performances, which her less eye-catching than earlier seasons. But her contributions were crucial to Victory retaining the championship.

After winning the decider off her own boot with a spectacular goal direct from a corner kick in the last second of extra time, Cooney-Cross was a hero to Victory supporters for sacrificing her own game to get the team back to the top.

Now at Hammarby in Sweden, the midfielder is back to her galloping best. since recovering from a knee injury, she has been a regular starter at club level and has a growing highlights reel that looks very familiar to long-time fans.

Cooney-Cross has not yet reached these heights for The Matildas, but has been a favourite of Gustavsson since he took over. She seems destined to be a big name in the future of women’s football, and well worth watching if you can get along to the ground.

In years to come, you might be telling people you saw her back when…

South Africa

by Emmanuel Faith

Above: South Africa celebrate victory over Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: SABC News

South Africa are a quality team in their own right; currently 54th in the recent FIFA rankings, and recently crowned African champions beating the reigning champions and the host on their way to the triumph, the Banyana Banyana are not a team to brush aside.

Style of Play:
Like most African teams, the South Africans are quite physical in nature. Most of the players play in the South African leagues and have either played together or against one another, thus they have a seamless synchrony when they are representing the national team.

They boast of explosive midfielders like Refilo Jane, Karabo Dhlamini, and Linda Motlhalo who are bold ball-holders and quick ball-movers. They have the ability to pick incisive passes and split the midfield and defense of the opposition with a single pass, or a one-touch quick exchange.

This was how the first goal in their opening match against Morocco during the WAFCON finals was scored.  A field-splitting pass from Refilo Jane to Jermaine Seoposenwe who held on two defenders before laying a pass for Hildah Magaia who had a simple task of slotting the ball into the back of the net with the keeper almost beaten.

Another goal of such similitude was the second goal they scored against the former WAFCON reigning champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria.  A quick interception and a simple pass found Refilo Jane, who waited before playing a weighted pass that beat both Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale, and landed on the perfect side of Hildah Magaia to deliver another classic finish. The Matildas would have to be wary of those three as they can wreak havoc at the slightest chance.

Above: Linda Motlhalo – one of South Africa’s stars to watch. Photo: goal.com


Where the game would be won:
The Banyana Banyana play possession-based football and have the ability to move in quick transitions. To conquer them, Australia need to do is to stifle their access to the ball, and restrict the time they spend on it through quick and diagonal pressing.  That was how Brazil beat them recently. Another weakness is their height which is often a spot to explore when defending set pieces. Their centre-backs Noko Matlou and Bambanani Mbane are 1.64m and 1.62 m respectively and that is a space Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr might be looking to exploit, especially from corners, free-kicks, and crosses.

The South Africans are quick on the counter-attack thus the Matildas defenders like Courtney Nevin and Steph Catley have to be at alert to these threats.

Players to watch out for:

Jermaine Seoposenwe:

Her coach calls her hardworking and versatile; those words are mild to describe Jermaine. Her ability to play as a top striker, a second striker, a supporting striker, or on either wing makes her one of the most dangerous players you can play against. The absence of the Banyana Banyana rockstar, Thembi Kgatlana has been a big blow to the squad, but it is safe to say that Jermaine has stepped up to the responsibilities, playing the multiple roles of creating, assisting, and sometimes scoring goals when necessary. The Aussies must be wary of her tricks and movements on and off the ball.

Linda Motlhalo:
Since making her debut in 2016 against Cameroon where she scored her first goal, Motlhalo has stamped her name in the heart of her coach and is always available to make magic, either from the bench as a substitute or as a starter alongside Refilo Jane. She is one of the few South African players who has spent the last four years playing outside the South African league. This often reflects in her style of play as she combines the experience of NWSL (Houston Dash), the quick-witted style of Chinese League, and the tenacity of playing the Swedish league. There are probably only a few midfielders better than her in the continent right now and she would be hoping to deliver a world-class performance on Saturday.

Hildah Magaia:
After a superb performance at the recently concluded WAFCON, the absence of Thembi Kgatlana and the option of using Jermaine Seoponsewe as a right winger or supporting striker means Magaia is now wearing the number-nine jersey and shouldering the responsibilities that come with it. Magaia is quite adept in nature, fast-paced, and knows how to open up her body and get the right positions in the box. She has a goal-poacher trait and is a massive threat anytime she is in the box.

Above: Banyana Banyana danger women Hildah Magaia. Photo: CAF Online.

Harriet Meers: Falling Back In Love With The Game

In the first in a series of interviews with Impetus’ sponsored players for 2022/23, Harriet Meers, who we have supported for three seasons now, spoke to Ben Gilby about last campaign’s rollercoaster, and how she fell back in love with the game (6/10/22).

Above: Harriet Meers is back at East Bergholt United this season, and looking to push her side on. Photo: Paul Wilding via East Bergholt United.

Back in December 2020, Harriet Meers, then a teenage defender, signed her first senior women’s football contract with tier five side Wroxham and became Impetus‘ first sponsored player. Fast forward another two seasons and we’re still sponsoring Harriet, who experienced a really challenging 2021/22 campaign.

“Things changed very quickly last season, and it has been an emotional ride. The last time I spoke to Impetus, I was playing with Wroxham. Being at Wroxham was such an amazing opportunity, playing step five football is something I never believed I would have been capable of. The group of girls at Wroxham were brilliant and I absolutely loved my time there. Also, it is safe to say without the opportunity of playing for Wroxham Women I never would have been lucky enough to have Impetus as a sponsor.

“Unfortunately, a few things didn’t work out in the end with Wroxham, I knew I needed to try and regain some confidence and therefore I made the move to King’s Lynn Town, also in the ERWFL Premier Division, for the second half of the season. I spent the last couple of months of last season playing more locally for the Sunday league University of East Anglia (UEA) team.”

The move across Norfolk to King’s Lynn Town started well, but an unfortunate injury and changes behind the scenes saw things take another twist.

“Whilst I was at Lynn, the games were played at The Walks (men’s team’s 8,200 capacity ground) which is a pretty impressive stadium to play in at that level. My first start for King’s Lynn was Haringey Borough away. Haringey away is always a tough game, so to return home with a 3-2 win after a gritty team performance was brilliant.

“Unfortunately, I was carrying a slight knee injury from a BUCS game with UEA which I worsened during the game. I was out for a couple months and a combination of a change in management and a regression of confidence due to the injury made me question whether I should just stop playing.

Above: Since returning to her footballing home of East Bergholt United, Harriet’s confidence has grown again. Photo: Paul Wilding via East Bergholt United.

“I took the difficult decision to take a step back and the rest of the season I played solely for the university BUCS team. The girls at Lynn were great and really kept me going whilst I was out. Under the previous manager, Joe Simpson, King’s Lynn had just been promoted from step six to step five. The energy in the team to not only survive the season but to compete was so evident. It was a great experience, one that I am very grateful for.”

Harriet’s spell concentrating on representing the UEA team in the BUCS leagues ensured that she had a hugely successful end to the 2021/22 campaign, as the University of East Anglia enjoyed a historic campaign.

“The 2021/22 season in the BUCS league was a new and exciting one,” Harriet exclaimed. “With the addition of two new coaches for the first team, Harry Diggens and Rebecca Burton, the university introduced scholarships to those who were successful in trials for the first team. The strength of the setup was only getting stronger, especially with the additional knowledge and passion from the new management.

“After surprising myself and receiving one of the scholarships I played in the Midlands tier two BUCS league. We had a great conference cup run, landing ourselves a place in the final against Loughborough at their stadium. Despite an early first goal from us, we came away as runners-up, but the day itself was an amazing experience.

“In terms of the league, the BUCS first team got promoted the year prior to COVID. The goal was to push ourselves in the new league. Safe to say we succeeded and only went and got a back-to-back promotion! For the first time in the clubs’ history, the first team will be competing in Tier 1 for the 22/23 season! I would say the setup with scholarships for the team played a big part in our success. For me personally, when I was injured in December the scholarship meant access to a physio and the gym for rehab purposes.

“I return to UEA in January to start a Physician Associate MSc. From what I can gather, the course is going to be intense and significantly more contact hours than before with lots of placement time too. I am also planning on living in Ipswich so a fair amount of my time will be spent commuting. I guess once I know what the workload is like I will be able to decide whether or not I will be able to represent the UEA again. Regardless, I am sure I will return to the club in some form.”

Over the summer, Harriet made the move back to her original club, East Bergholt United in Suffolk, who are in the tier six Eastern Region League Division One. It very quickly turned into a happy homecoming.

“East Bergholt Ladies is the first club I played for after youth football when I was 17. Back then, we were competing in the Suffolk Women’s Football League. That same season we won the league and cup double, which was incredible, especially against a progressing Needham Market side.

Above: Harriet (5) celebrating with her East Bergholt United team-mates. Photo: Paul Wilding via East Bergholt United.

“Due to player commitments and the change in travel it was decided we would remain in the same league the following season with the aim of gaining promotion to the ERWFL Division One the following season. This was the year I went to university; however, I returned home every Sunday to continue playing for them. Once again, we won the league and cup double so it was definitely time for promotion! Unfortunately, this is when I could no longer commit as I would be living in Norwich.

“As mentioned, I had considered giving up football this season. However, one of the girls at East Bergholt messaged me and asked if I fancied joining again. I thought I had nothing to lose and would head down for a session. The management had just had a change from when I was last there, so it was relatively new other than some old faces. I can already tell just a few games in that this is where I need to be. It’s so good to be playing with the girls again, and I am definitely a different player from when I was last there.

“From a personal perspective, I’ve fallen back in love with the game. I came back unsure of whether I’d be playing and with low confidence. I hate that I am such a confidence player, but I guess it’s who I am! I now feel like I’m playing with passion, I feel like I have something to offer to the side with some experience playing in step five. When I was previously at the club, I played right-back. Since being at Wroxham, I have played centre-back and I definitely prefer it there, so I am delighted to be able to play in that position for East Bergholt this season. A player of the match award in our first FA Cup game this season definitely showed the progression I am making.

“We are currently sat fourth out of the league’s nine teams with so much to play for this season. Every team are played three times and recently we drew 2-2 after conceding a late goal to the league leaders. There was a fairly big recruitment for the team this season, so things are going well seeing as we are just getting started.”

As well as returning to her first club, Harriet has also returned to coaching girls’ football. It is something she clearly has a passion for.

“Since moving back, I have returned to the team I used to coach, Kesgrave Kestrels. The girls are playing U16s and they have so much to offer and pre-season went very well. The squad has so much talent with several of the girls playing in the Ipswich Town Junior Premier League setup. So, alongside my own training sessions twice a week for East Bergholt, I coach on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. This might prove a bit tricky on some of my own away games in London, but I’ll be there as much as I physically can be.”

Whilst the impact of the Euros has had a knock-on impact on the women’s game at the top levels, in the grassroots of tier six, Harriet is yet to see much of a trickle-down impact of legacy.

“Here at East Bergholt, we don’t have a fancy stadium, it’s a proper Sunday league team playing on a field with a clubhouse, but I love it. I wouldn’t say we have had a significant change in the number of people attending but it’s great to have the occasional photographer and reporter of women’s football over to the game to get a match report out there. At the end of the day, every bit of coverage is only going to help the women’s game grow.

Above: A player of the match award in her team’s first FA Cup tie this season highlighted Harriet’s strong form this season so far. Photo: Paul Wilding via East Bergholt United.

“However, to be honest, I am a little shocked that the legacy of the Euros hasn’t had a bigger impact on grassroots football. We can see that the attendance of WSL games has increased massively which is great to see, so, I ask the question: why are so many grassroots women’s teams having to pull out of the leagues?

“Several teams in step seven have had to pull out, even a couple of teams in tiers four and five are noticeably struggling with numbers to field a first team. It is a shame and I hope no one else folds.”

As we moved towards the conclusion of our first chat of the season, Harriet outlined her personal aims and those of her club for this season.

“My personal aims this season are to get stronger and stronger. I want to continue to develop my confidence on the ball, which has already improved in the small time I’ve spent back at the club. As a defender, clean sheets are always going to be the aim, so, plenty of those wouldn’t go amiss. There are already so many things that have changed this season. From taking free kicks in the back line to pushing on the counter, I am determined to finish this season so much stronger than I started.

“For the club, there is so much to play for this season with each team playing each other three times. Results are already coming in as a surprise. With the talent in this squad, I believe we should be pushing for the league win and a good run in the county cup. East Bergholt has always been the small club from the Ipswich/Colchester area and it’s time to get the name out and show others what we are about.

“We also have more of a joke goal for this season between the manager and the players. 25 goals and five clean sheets mean we get to cut off the current manager, Jordan’s top knot off at the end-of-season celebration. Currently, we are eight goals and a clean sheet down with over 20 games to go so I have no doubt we will succeed on this one.”

Artwork: East Bergholt United.

Micah And Andreatta Look Ahead To Matildas v South Africa

Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in today’s media conference with goalkeeper Teagan Micah, who reflects on the battle for the number one jersey. Ben Gilby heard from the Matildas’ assistant coach Mel Andreatta as she highlights the threat posed by South Africa, and the importance of the squad’s depth-building project (6/10/22).

Above: Teagan Micah speaking to the media today from Australia’s South-West London training base. Image: Football Australia.

Teagan Micah says she is ready to go toe to toe with Lydia Williams and Mackenzie Arnold for the Matildas’ number-one goalkeeping spot and take her chance when called upon.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper is waiting for that opportunity to call the number one jersey her own but has stiff competition in the form of Paris St. Germain’s Williams and West Ham United keeper Arnold.

Micah starred during Australia’s run to fourth place at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, producing a penalty save in a standout performance against Team GB, but has only added two caps to her name this year with Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson giving opportunities to all of his three options between the sticks this year.

The goalkeper told reporters on Thursday morning: “It’s just like a patience game with goalkeeping. Anything can happen at any time, so I just have to be ready. I’m just trying to focus on that development, and I feel like I am developing at my club and then hopefully get the chance, here again, then I can hopefully take it.

Above: Teagan Micah pictured in training this week in South-West London. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“It’s hard – at the end of the day I’m versing someone who has nearly over 100 caps more than me, so she does have that experience and all credit to Lydia, when she has come in, she’s played well. So, from what I understand, it’s not necessarily something that I’ve done, it’s at that point where she’s playing well, so I don’t think it’s going to change much, we’ll see.”

Micah has featured regularly for the Swedish side Rosengård and put in some good performances this season as the defending Damallsvenskan champions sit top of the table once more.

The Gippsland native feels that the move to the Malmö-based Swedish club has been hugely beneficial to her game. “I think just playing with such high calibre players, it has helped my leadership and development so much. I love that we play such good football, and we are a winning club it’s a really good mentality.”

As the Matildas get ready to face South Africa in London on Saturday and Denmark in Viborg next Wednesday, Micah is clear about the benefits the squad have in this international window in terms of greatly reduced travelling times for their majority European-based squad.

“It’s massive for us, I think it’s clear when you are flying for 22 hours with the layovers. You come off the back of a game and then you have to fly there, we are only doing a recovery session on Wednesday so that is not even a full session with each other so that makes a massive difference.

“Last camp I think I returned Thursday afternoon, trained Friday, and flew again Friday then played Saturday. I was just shattered and being a goalkeeper is a mental game and when I am yawning at half-time it’s not good, but there’s a massive difference, it’s amazing to go Down Under and play but the reality is we all play over here now. There are benefits to going home but there are also benefits to staying here.”

Above: Mel Andreatta outlining her thoughts on preparations for Saturday’s game with South Africa. Image: Football Australia.

Australia assistant coach Mel Andreatta highlighted the benefits of being able to having the vast majority of the Matildas squad being able to train from the get-go rather than requiring recovery time following long flights from Europe to Australia.

“The first three days here in camp have been excellent. We’ve really enjoyed the training venue and getting together. I think we’ve really noticed the difference in arriving into camp a bit fresher and ready to go. We’ve already had three really quality sessions to kick off camp.

“It’s been really positive and really focused, I would say. I think the playing group is eager to get on the pitch on Saturday and put the work into practice in a good performance.

On the importance of the fixture, Andreatta discussed the significance of taking on the Women’s African Cup of Nations champions in this window.

“It’s an exciting opportunity. Now, after 12 months, we’ve been able to tick the box of playing a country from every FIFA confederation.”

“The key focus is that we want to play well. We want to play well for 90 minutes and put everything that we do in the training park into the game under pressure against different opponents on match day.

Above: Alanna Kennedy – one of the Matildas missing through injury in this window – Mel Andreatta highlighted the importance of a depth-building project to keep the Australian side competitive. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“South Africa have proven to be a top African nation, and they’re unique in their playing style.  They are very technical, very athletic, and intense in the way that they play. Defensively they’ll come out and win their one v one duels, intercept, transition, and look to get in behind. 

“We need these different opponents to play against so that when we come into a World Cup where we could, in our draw, play any one of these nations it’s important that we have the experience of playing them.

“It gives you that confidence and that familiarity that you can go into a pressure environment with thousands in the stands and know that you’ve faced this before and can go and get the job done.”

Late injuries have hit the Matildas in the last two windows with the absences of Alanna Kennedy (shoulder), Kyah Simon (knee), Tameka Yallop (ankle), Emily van Egmond (quad) and Clare Wheeler (knee) prior to the commencement of October’s camp. 

For Andreatta, it underscores the vital depth-building project that has been undertaken in the past 12–18 months. 

“We’ve been able to do that [build depth] with the number of debutantes over the last 18 months, so I think it’s been effective in that way.”

“We’ve unfortunately experienced some injuries that we found through our screening processes before camp.  Because of that depth building, and players that have been through Talent ID camps, our A-League Women’s competition, NPL competitions through to AFF, we’ve been able to draw on a wider pool of players to build our squad and have a competitive team for this window.”

Glory’s Rigby & Epakis Excited And Ready To Aim For Finals

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby and head coach Alex Epakis at the team’s season launch media event earlier today. Both are hugely positive of a strong season for the Western Australian side (6/10/22).

Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby and head coach Alex Epakis face the media today at Crown Perth. Image: Perth Glory FC.

Perth Glory missed out on Finals football in the A-League Women by the narrowest of margins last season and both Tash Rigby and Alex Epakis are focussed on ensuring they make the top four comfortably this time round.

Looking ahead to the new season, Rigby said: “We are looking forward to building on the collective spirit that we fostered last season as well as welcoming all our new players with open arms and hearts. We’ve definitely got a lot of hunger out there ready to go.

Above: Tash Rigby in action for Perth Glory at Sydney FC last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

With regard to being awarded the captain’s armband for another season, the defender, who had another impressive NPLW campaign with Fremantle City this year, said: “It’s such an honour to captain this team and I’m so excited to lead our incredible squad for another season.

“I am grateful to [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] and the club for this opportunity and I have full faith that with the squad we have, we can compete with the best this season.

“We are looking forward to building on the collective spirit that we fostered last season as well as welcoming all our new players with open arms and hearts.”

Epakis, meanwhile, was unstinting in his praise of his side’s captain.

“Tash is a standout person and the best leader I have had the opportunity to work with,” he said.

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis has assembled a strong squad in the West. Photo: Perth Glory FC.

“More broadly, I believe we have a strong leadership group and this is led by Tash who plays a pivotal role in shaping it.

“She has a fantastic character which is underpinned by the perfect mix of humility and competitiveness. Tash embraces and actions our team identity and has an unwavering desire to serve her teammates through thick and thin.

“I am grateful to have her close by and deeply value her as a player and person. She is certainly focused and driven on having another standout year and guiding the team throughout the course of the season.”

In terms of the position he believes his team are in going into the new season, Glory’s head coach said: “We’ve retained the core of our existing squad, and to add to that, we’re in a fantastic position. We’ve strengthened where we needed it, particularly in helping us in our attacking play. I’m really excited to work with the whole group.”

Perth Glory’s opening A-League Women fixture is an away clash with Canberra United on Saturday 19th November.

Caitlin Foord: Making The Most Of Every Moment

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the Matildas star Caitlin Foord from Australia’s South-West London base ahead of this Saturday’s game against South Africa at Kingsmeadow (5/10/22).

Above: Caitlin Foord speaking to the media. The Arsenal attacker emphasised that results at present will have no bearing on the Matildas’ World Cup outcomes. Image: Football Australia.

Caitlin Foord spoke to the media about the importance of maximising every moment of international camps to ensure that the Matildas are as prepared as possible for next year’s World Cup.

“Time is limited when they get such a short window every month,” said Foord.  “We’re just trying to take every opportunity we get within that time.”

“Obviously, this one’s a good example of that time with the camp being in Europe. We’ve already trained once where normally that’s us coming off the plane or coming in at different times, and all on different levels.”

Above: Caitlin Foord in training at the Matildas’ South-West London camp. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“This camp has been really good so far to be able to start and prepare a lot earlier than normal. As I said, it’s just making the most of every opportunity we have.” 

Australia’s build-up to the World Cup has seen a run of tough results. In ten games this calendar year, Tony Gustavsson’s team have won five – against Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and New Zealand (twice). Despite this, Foord is not overly concerned.

“Looking ahead to the World Cup, the results we’ve had don’t really have any bearing. Obviously, we’re footballers, we want to go out on the pitch and get the win. If we don’t it’s disappointing, but come the World Cup, that’s when we want to be flying. That’s what we’re preparing for and we want to get all this out of the way now. It’s about building on the positives and learning from the mistakes.”

After playing limited minutes in the series against Canada, Foord has been in strong form for Arsenal at the start of the Barclays Women’s Super League season.  The winger is working to carry that form into the match against Banyana Banyana for the Matildas.  

Above: Fleet of foot, Caitlin Foord in training this week in South-West London. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

On a team level, Foord says attention is on producing a consistent performance against the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations Champions. “I think for us the main focus is on ourselves and to obviously try and exploit where they have their weaknesses.” 

“It’s just about playing good football, feeling good, coming together again and playing how we know we can.” 

Foord is no stranger to the Kingsmeadow venue for the weekend with her Gunners’ side visitors to a formidable Chelsea team in the past couple of years.

“It’ll be a bit weird but at the end of the day, when you’re on the pitch, you kind of forget about everything. That it’s another game of football. We’ll train there the day before so maybe we get all the weird stuff out then!”

Roestbakken Signing Another Big Boost For City

Melbourne City have made another big signing with Australian international Karly Roestbakken joining the Sky Blues today. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from the defender and City head coach Rado Vidosic (4/10/22).

Above: Artwork from Melbourne City.

Melbourne City have added Matildas defender Karly Roestbakken to their 22/23 A-League Women’s squad. 

Roestbakken has most recently been playing at LSK Kvinner in Norway’s top-tier but also has 39 A-League Women’s appearances to her name after having debuted for Canberra United as a 15-year-old. 

Six years later, the versatile defender now has seven Matildas caps to her name and will seek to press her claim to be part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad in her first season at City. 

Capable of playing multiple roles, Head Coach Rado Vidosic said Roestbakken’s signing was a big coup ahead of the new season. 

“Despite being just 21, Karly is a player with a wealth of experience both in our league at home and in Europe,” Vidosic said. 

Above: Karly Roestbakken holds seven caps for Australia and is big signing for Melbourne City. Photo: Football Australia.

“Having been a former Junior Matildas captain and also a co-captain previously with Canberra, she’ll bring plenty of leadership to our squad this season. We see her playing a key role for us and look forward to her joining the group for pre-season training very soon.” 

Roestbakken said she was excited by the opportunity at City and looking forward to linking up with her teammates in the coming weeks. 

“I think everyone in this league knows Melbourne City’s reputation and they know it’s a club with a high level of professionalism and it seemed like a great environment to be a part of,” Roestbakken said. 

“City had a great season last year and I heard so many positive things about the playing group and watching from the outside, they all just looked like they were having the best time which showed on the pitch as well. 

“I thought Melbourne City would be the perfect place for me to get back into a full-time football environment where I’m training every day and having access to the best facilities as well as playing a gold style of football.  

“I’m really excited to work with all the players and especially Rado as I’ve been chatting with him for a long time now.” 

Steph Catley: It’s A New Challenge

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from The Matildas’ star Steph Catley as the Arsenal defender made the short trip to South-West London to report for international duty (4/10/22).

Above: Steph Catley speaking from the Australian team camp this week. Image: Football Australia.

Australia have assembled in South-West London ahead of this weekend’s international against South Africa in Kingston-Upon-Thames.

For the squad’s large group of UK-based players, including captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley, along with a number of stars playing club football in Europe, this was a much shorter journey for an international window than in recent times.

For Catley, based in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, just beyond the northernmost fringes of London, the travel into camp was a decidedly atypical affair to those in the past 18 months. 

“It was extremely easy and different. Just a nice cruise in from where I am to here,” laughed Catley.  “So [it took] about 50 minutes and [I’m] feeling fresh, feeling ready to go for day one. It’s a nice change. It’s important because we can just get straight into training as there is no recovery, no sleep issues, we can just get going.”

The fullback has her eyes firmly focused on hitting the pitch against South Africa this Saturday with the opening training session geared towards that preparation. 

Above: Steph Catley training with the Matildas in South-West London yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“It was a good session. It was short and sharp, but we were able to sort of do some position-specific training. We were able to really home in on stuff that we need to work on and stuff that’s specific to South Africa and making the most of sort of trying to score goals in the final third against them.” 

In over 100 appearances for Australia, the Arsenal defender has only met an African nation twice (Nigeria in 2015 and Zimbabwe in 2016) and never in an international friendly. This record, Catley believes, underscores the importance of diverse opposition as part of the road to the World Cup. Following Saturday’s match, the Matildas would have met a nation from each of FIFA’s confederations in the last 12 months. 

“It’s nice to have an opponent that we don’t play often. It’s really important to play all sorts of teams.  They all possess different attributes that you have to be ready for, and you have to be used to playing against. African nations are extremely physically strong and talented with a lot of speed. It is easy to be exposed against them. It’s important for us to have this test.

“It creates a new challenge and prepares us in a way that is so important leading into a World Cup.  You don’t know who you’re going to get, and you don’t want to get there and be completely shocked and that means that you lose the game. It’ll be a tough challenge, but we’re excited for it.”

After being in the squad for a decade now, Catley is well placed to assess the impact of the new, young talent coming into the squad. The Arsenal defender admits it makes a pleasing change to see the next generation get a chance. “Yeah, for quite some time we only really had Ellie [Carpenter] coming in and maintaining her squad. They are now cementing places in the team.

Above: The Matildas vice-captain pictured in training yesterday. Catley sees huge positives in the form of the squad’s young players. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Ann Odong/Football Australia.

“Charli [Grant]’s form has been really pleasing. Seeing her grow from when she first came in – she had massive shoes to fill coming in for Ellie at right-back. She’s looked really strong, putting in great performances against Canada, when she dealt with pacey players against her. Kyra [Cooney-Cross] is also growing well into her role in the side.

“As a senior group, we pushed the young players to go overseas to get more experience out of their comfort zone. They might have preferred to stay and play W-League, but you can see each time they come in now the improvements in their development.

“We’re in a good place as a squad.”

Impetus’ coverage of the Matildas game with South Africa continues with coverage of player and coach interviews this week, plus news and pictures before, during, and after Saturday’s clash at Kingsmeadow.

Scottish Weekend Review

Tom Freeman provides all the details from tiers three and four of the Scottish women’s game (3/10/22).

Above: Nicole Rutherford celebrates after scoring for FC Edinburgh on her return from injury. Photo: Sportpix.

Renfrew’s lead at the top of the SWF Championship has been cut after the Lanarkshire side were held to a scoreless draw at home by bottom side Dryburgh Athletic.

Dryburgh goalkeeper Chantelle McKay produced a stunning penalty save to deny the hosts three points, which allowed Livingston and Rossvale to close the gap with 2-0 wins over Morton and Hutchison Vale respectively.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle were again involved in a high-scoring game, coming back from behind to draw with Ayr United in Cumnock, to keep both sides with the same points total. A hat-trick by young striker Rachel Scott for the home side looked to have secured three points but the Highlanders struck back to level 3-3.

Table From: SWF Championship

In the Women’s League One, FC Edinburgh won the top-of-the-table clash with Falkirk comfortably, running out 4-0 winners at the Falkirk Stadium including a goal from Nicole Rutherford on her comeback from long-term injury.

Westdyke kept pace with FC Edinburgh with a 3-1 win against Stenhousemuir, meaning they too leapfrog the Central Scotland sides to second in the table.

Elsewhere, Dundee West came from 3-0 down to rescue a point from BSC Glasgow, while Airdrie Ladies held Edinburgh Caledonia to a scoreless draw at Meadowbank. Grampian Ladies got back to winning ways against Gleniffer Thistle and St Mirren slipped to a 2-1 defeat by Giffnock SC.

Table From: SWF League One

Matildas Forced Into Squad Changes

Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears how a weekend of injuries has led to three ins-and four outs this morning (3/10/22)

Above: Remy Siemsen is back in the Matildas squad. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Forward Remy Siemsen and defenders Emma Checker and Matilda McNamara have been added to the Matildas squad ahead of the upcoming internationals against South Africa and Denmark. 

Above: Matilda McNamara training with the Australian squad in June. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

The trio will replace Emily van Egmond (quad strain), Tameka Yallop (ankle), Clare Wheeler (minor knee injury), and forward Kyah Simon, who have all been ruled out due to injuries sustained at their clubs prior to the commencement of the October FIFA Women’s International Window. 

Van Egmond, Yallop, Wheeler, and Simon join Alanna Kennedy on the sidelines after the Manchester City defender recently suffered a shoulder fracture to keep her from the October training camp roster. Meanwhile, defender Ellie Carpenter continues to rehab from an ACL sustained in May this year. 

Siemsen, 22, who plays for Solna-based AIK in Sweden, has earned six caps for Australia with her last activity in the June FIFA International Window.  Central defender McNamara receives a second call up to the Australia camp with her first also coming during the June Window.  The 23-year-old plays her club football in Denmark and is currently the only uncapped player in the squad. Fellow South Australian, Checker, has eight international caps to her name with the most recent call-up against Brazil in 2021.  

Above: A return to the national squad for Emma Checker. Photo: Melbourne City.

Australia host South Africa in a “home” match at London’s Kingsmeadow Stadium on Saturday, 8 October with kick-off at 12.30pm local / 10.30pm AEDT.  Tickets for this historic match are available for purchase exclusively online with prices starting at £10 for adults and £2 for juniors and seniors.   

Three days later Australia will tackle Denmark at Viborg Stadium with kick-off at 6.00pm local.  

Impetus will be providing daily news and features from the Matildas camp this week, with a special match preview coming on Thursday, and extensive coverage from Kingsmeadow before, during, and after Saturday’s match.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the fourth round of the 2022/23 D1 Arkema season (3/10/22).

Above: Alexandria Lamontagne, Rodez’s goalkeeper as impressive during the warm-up as she was during the game against Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

There were several surprises during this round of matches with Bordeaux earning a draw at Montpellier despite fielding a team with an average age of just 22. Le Havre, just promoted, grabbed a sensational draw against Paris Saint-Germain, and Fleury were held at home to Soyaux. So, Olympique Lyonnais took advantage to increase their lead at the top of D1 Arkema to two points from Paris SG.

Le Havre obtained a superb draw 2-2 at home against Paris Saint-Germain, coming from 2-0 down in the process. It is the biggest surprise of this round. Le Havre were second best, but tried to play their game and fought hard for every ball to earn a point. PSG had only a few more opportunities to score, especially in the first half and at the end of the game, even if they had almost 70% possession. This draw is all the more surprising given that Paris SG were leading by two goals after just 24 minutes in a game against a team who have just been promoted to D1 Arkema.

Le Havre did though benefit from a big error by Sarah Bouhaddi, who has replaced Matildas shotstopper Lydia Williams between the sticks. Bouhaddi completely missed her clearance after 39 minutes which gave the corner from which Le Havre scored their first goal thanks to Eva Sumo’s header. Bouhaddi made an identical mistake five minutes later but this time the corner was dealt with. To be noted, Christy Gavory scored an outstanding goal from 25 meters just in the upper left-hand corner of the net after having won the ball in midfield and exchanged a one-two with Laura Rueda. With this draw, Paris SG let Lyon alone at the head of D1 Arkema. Goals for Le Havre from Eva Sumo (39), Christy Gavory (52). Goal for Paris SG from Kadidiatou Diani (9 penalty), Ramona Bachmann (24).

Above: Kadidiatou Diani puts PSG ahead at Le Havre from the penalty spot. Photo: L.Pestel/PSG.

Montpellier shared the points at home to Bordeaux in a goalless draw. Bordeaux fielded the 17-year-old pair of Marion Haelewyn and Fiona Liaigre amongst a team with an average age of just 22. This meant that Ella Pallis, 23 had to step up to be the leader on the field to counsel her young teammates. It was not a great game from a purely football point of view, but it remained very watchable due to the back-and-forth nature of the play.

Fleury were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Soyaux. It was not a good result for Fleury who are aiming for third place and Champions League football at the end of this season. This result means their current run of form is a draw and a loss. In my own point of view, Manon Heil, Fleury’s goalkeeper, could, even should, have prevented Ipek Kaya’s goal by catching the ball as it headed towards the corner of the net. Batcheba Louis was a particularly strong performer for Fleury. Goal for Fleury from Batcheba Louis (12). Goal for Soyaux from Ipek Kaya (55).

Above: Christy Gavory scored an outstanding goal after 52 minutes to earn Le Havre a superb draw against PSG. Photo: Le Havre (HAC Féminines Facebook page).

Paris FC won 2-0 away to Dijon. Paris FC produced a strong performance in this victory. The visitors have started the season brilliantly and are already second spot in D1 Arkema, and put their main opponents for third place, and Champions League qualifying – Montpellier, Reims, and Fleury three, four, and five points behind respectively. Goal for Paris FC from Célina Ould Hocine (10), Gaëtane Thiney (78 penalty).

Reims won 3-0 at home against Guingamp. Reims obtained their second win of the season without difficulty. They produced an excellent display, never giving Guingamp a chance. Rachel Corboz showed once again her skills from free kicks by putting a ball against the crossbar from 25 meters which led to a goal from Julie Pasquereau who scored with a header. With this win, Reims are now fifth. Goals for Reims from Monique Ngock (30), Julie Pasquereau (32), Kethna Louis (45+1).

Above: Lindsey Horan in action for Lyon against Rodez with her national flag behind her. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Olympique Lyonnais won 2-0 at home against Rodez. For this game, Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, left several key players on the bench – Christiane Endler, Selma Bacha, Daniëlle Van de Donk, Janice Cayman, Signe Bruun, and Lindsey Horan. However, Lyon completely dominated the game with almost 70% possession, even if they only scored two goals despite creating more than 20 opportunities. To be noted was the good performance of Alexandria Lamontagne, Rodez’s goalkeeper, who had a lot of work but preserved her goal several times. Delphine Cascarino produced another outstanding performance with a goal and a decisive pass and was named player of the match. To be noted the great performance of Perle Morroni as left defender, and the good performance of Janice Cayman who played right defender in the second half. Goal for Lyon from Delphine Cascarino (5), Eugénie Le Sommer (32).

Above: Delphine Cascarino putting Olympique Lyonnais ahead after five minutes. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Artwork: D1 Arkema.