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!”
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.”
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.
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.
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. Photosupplied 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.
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.
The Canberra Times this week reported that Michelle Heyman is targeting a Matildas call-up. Impetus’ Kieran Yap outlines what the A-League Women’s all-time record scorer could add to Tony Gustavsson’s squad (2/10/22).
Above: Michelle Heyman lets fly for Canberra United against Brisbane Roar last season. The A-League Women legend is aiming at an international return.Photo: Canberra United.
The Canberra Times has reported that the A-League Women’s all-time leading scorer has targeted a return to The Matildas. Michelle Heyman’s international comeback could bring a new dimension to Australia’s attack.
The article, which can be read here (via a paywall) gives Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson another attacking option to ponder as the Matildas approach their remaining international friendlies ahead of the World Cup.
It is worth remembering that a national team squad is not a Team of the Week or Season. Of course, form is important, but it is a side that must function as a team, and sometimes that has little to do with a player’s statistics.
Michelle Heyman has produced impressive numbers over the past two seasons. 10 goals in 2020/21 and another nine in 2021/22 made her one of the best performing strikers in Australia. she was awarded the Julie Dolan medal at the end of her comeback season as recognition. But these statistics do not show her true potential value to the national side.
Heyman is a tactically different proposition to the other options in the current Matildas squad. She is dangerous on her left or right foot from anywhere within 25 yards, can play with her back to goal, and can drop deep to link up play or spread long passes to the wingers.
The Canberra star still possesses impressive pace and can score with power or a delicate chip over a keeper. The pace of international football is a significant step up from A-League level, but one of Heyman’s greatest assets is her vision and special awareness.
She knows where the spaces in a defence are and exploits them ruthlessly. Her unpredictability means that she often appears to score goals out of nothing. There is no “typical” Heyman goal in the same way you can describe what a Megan Rapinoe or Caitlin Foord strike would probably look like. She can adjust her technique to any split-second occurrence and has the confidence to try it.
Against stronger opposition, or in losing situations, Australia’s attack has looked isolated. The game plan seems to be to get the ball to positions that have the highest chance of scoring. The Matildas work the wings or attempt interplay to get behind the defence then try and square the ball in front of goal.
When it works, it is magnificent. Emily Van Egmond’s late equaliser against New Zealand was a perfect example of this. Sam Kerr’s finish to a stunning team move against Brazil was another, and in the Asian Cup, they were able to do this repeatedly against Indonesia. Against Canada Mary Fowler’s goal was scored from an almost identical position.
However, it is good to have options. In the same way that Kyah Simon offers something different to Sam Kerr, Michelle Heyman has abilities that only Mary Fowler can replicate, with experience that nobody else can.
In a desperate situation in a knockout game, bringing on the tall, fast and extremely mobile forward with 61 international caps not only changes the way Australia can attack, but changes the way the opposition have to defend.
Above: Michelle Heyman in action for the Matildas previously. Photo: Football Australia.
Suddenly, Sam Kerr would have a player who could flick on long passes into her path. Just as quickly, the opposition manager must find a defender who can stop Heyman turning and shooting in attack and track her into midfield.
Heyman is likely to have another strong season at Canberra United, but regardless of how many goals she scores, she is the type of player that can make a huge difference with very little opportunity.
Tony Gustavsson has so far elected to trust youth and has uncovered some gems and future stars. The performances of the Young Matildas and Under 23 side mean that there are players that look ready to step up if needed, but there is a readymade option in Heyman.
Although much of his tenure has focussed on giving youth and debutants opportunities, Gustavsson has also shown that he is prepared to turn to experience when necessary. He has trusted Katrina Gorry with a central role in the side, when the brilliant playmaker has been more peripheral over the previous two managers, or at least since 2015.
Gorry’s particular set of skills have filled an important role in the side. Michelle Heyman can do the same.
If the Matildas manager needs a player to exploit an organized defence, or a game changer off the bench. Heyman is a perfect fit.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutubrings the background to this weekend’s all-important games in the final round of the NWSL’s regular season (30/9/22).
Above: North Carolina Courage’s Debinha celebrates after scoring against Gotham FC. Photo: @TheNCCourage/Twitter.
Four teams have secured their place in the play-off rounds in the NWSL. Four more teams are in the hunt for the remaining two spots.
Four is also the magic number when it comes to the number of teams with a chance to win the Shield on the final day.
Let’s look at what this weekend looks like in this crazy end to the NWSL regular season.
San Diego Wave v North Carolina Courage
After leading the table for the most part of the season, San Diego find themselves in 4th place. They head into the final weekend hoping that the results of all the teams above them go in Wave’s favour in order to clinch the title. They secured a playoff spot last weekend with a 2-2 draw to Orlando Pride.
They however face a resurgent Courage side that is seeking a playoff spot. For them, a win sees them make the cut and effectively erase their poor form at the beginning of the season.
NJ/NY Gotham v Portland Thorns
Gotham FC have nothing to play for in the final game but their result potentially holds weight in the race for the shield as they welcome the Portland Thorns to New Jersey.
The Thorns became the first team to secure a place in the post-season when they ran out 3-0 victors against Racing Louisville on 22nd September. The two-time champions have a chance to add to their Shield tally with a win over Gotham which will see them retain the trophy they held aloft last season.
Washington Spirit v Houston Dash
The Washington Spirit have had a season to forget. Following their Championship win last season and an appearance at the Challenge Cup final this year, the team has struggled to get points on the board. This season they fail to feature in the post-season games.
Above: Houston Dash’s Maria Sanchez in action against OL Reign. Photo: @HoustonDash/Twitter.
With nothing to lose, they have the ability to deny Houston Dash a chance at the playoff table. Dash, for the whole season, have been battling top teams for the crown but recent inconsistent results have them still looking to secure a post-season appearance on the final day.
Racing Louisville v Kansas City Current
The Kansas City Current have had a meteoric rise to the top this season. At one point in the season, they were languishing at the foot of the table. That was before going on a 12-game unbeaten streak which saw them perch on top of the standings for the first time in their two-year history.
They have clinched the playoff spot and still have a shot at the Shield when they host Racing Louisville who are another team with a season to forget. They have recently picked up two wins in three games but it was too little too late to salvage a poor season for head coach Kim Bjorkegren.
OL Reign v Orlando Pride
The reverse fixture was a Megan Rapinoe show as she assisted and scored the winner in the dying minutes of a 2-1 comeback win for the OL Reign. It was part of Rapinoe’s late season antics which has pushed the Seattle-based team to second on the table with a chance at winning the Shield for the first time since 2015.
Orlando Pride have had a turbulent season with departures and off-field scandals haunting the team at the start of the season. Interim coach Seb Hines however found a way to steer the ship from rocky waters and compete for a while for the playoff spots. That was not to be as they lost a seven-game unbeaten streak and have gone five games without a win.
Chicago Red Stars v Angel City FC
Above: Mallory Pugh controls the ball against Kansa City Current. Photo: @chicagoredstars/Twitter.
The game with possibly the highest stake will coincidentally be the last game this weekend. Chicago sit in seventh, a point behind North Carolina who occupy the last playoff spot. Angel City are a point behind Chicago and a win for them plus a loss for North Carolina will see them clinch a playoff berth in their inaugural season.
Chicago fans have felt hard done by the injuries the team has suffered throughout the season but Chris Petrucelli and his team have ensured they stay within the playoff spots for the entire campaign. Angel City have also had their own injury woes but all that will be forgotten if they manage to get a victory away from home.
A season that has gripped NWSL fans the entire season boils down to this one weekend and with the playoffs ahead, there is still plenty more to come.
Impetus’ African Women’s Football Correspondent Emmanuel Faith identifies the players to watch from the continent who are playing their club football in Europe this season (30/9/22).
Above: Roselle Ayane, Tottenham Hotspur’s striker pictured playing for Morocco. Photo: The Athletic.
Records are getting broken, new bars are being set, stadiums are getting filled and wonder goals are being scored. It’s a new era for female football, and the spotlight is finally shining on the game. Isn’t it a great time to be alive?
Different leagues enjoy the beauty and variety of imported talents and those from the developing continents particularly warm their way into our hearts. Everyone loved Ji So Yun at Chelsea, Kumagai is still weaving wonders at Bayern Munich, Asisat Oshoala keeps making magic at Barcelona, and Rasheedat Ajibade is beginning to cement her name in the story of Atletico Feminine. Today, we are spotlighting African players you should watch out for in Europe this season.
Roselle Ayane: Born in Reading to a Moroccan father and a Scottish mother, the Tottenham Hotspur forward, who played at the youth level for England before choosing Morocco is one to watch out for this season. Ayane, who plays as a forward has struggled to live to her full potential, however, this might change this season. Despite having a slow start to her career at Spurs, she scored three goals in five matches in the Conti Cup last season and she would be hoping to replicate her exceptional form that saw her national team get to the finals of the recently concluded WAFCON.
Toni Payne: Born in Alabama to Nigerian parents, Payne started her career in the Netherlands with Ajax before moving to join the Primera Division club, Sevilla. The versatile player who plays on the wing, or as a third person in the midfield and recently a full-back, has cemented her spot in the Sevilla team, and this season might be a good time to stretch for more.
Above: Ajara Nchout posing with her player of the match award against New Zealand. Photo: CAF Online.
Ajara Nchout: It takes a lot of skills and ability to score a Puskas-worthy goal, and if you are seeking an audacious player who isn’t scared to take on defenders, score crackers and amass points for her team with wonder strikes, then Ajara is the one to call. The 2019 Puskas nominee is one of the biggest export Africa has in Europe, and with some level of consistency, Ajara would be looking to unlock new levels this season. Having bagged two goals in the opening four matches for her club, Inter-Milan, her brilliant start to the season is just a glimpse of the wonders to come.
Rasheedat Ajibade: The blue-hair player who dazzles with her dribbling skills plays for Atletico Madrid is definitely a rockstar to watch out for this season, her goal in the opening game of the season is a sign that she is ready to reach for more heights and beat any personal standards she might have set for herself last season.
Chiamaka Nnadozie: Last season, she won the Bruno Martini award for being the goal-keeping revelation of the season, and was ranked seventh in the world by the International Federation of Football History and statistics. The 22-year-old number-one shot-stopper is entrenching her name and we can expect another season of crucial saves and match-winning performances from the Nigerian star.
Asisat Oshoala: Any list of African female footballers in the last decade without Asisat’s name is incomplete. Winning a record-breaking fifth African player of the year and being the highest African player in the ESPN top 50 list, Oshoala would be looking to claim a spot in the starting 11 of her club, improve on her clinical ability in the box and hopefully deliver performances that would rank her higher as far as world recognition is concerned. Playing at a club like Barcelona Feminine comes with a lot of responsibilities, and being the first African to be nominated for Ballon d’Or is a great acknowledgement of her outstanding performances. Opening the season with a wondergoal means only one thing; Oshoala isn’t resting, and as far as flying the flag of the continent is concerned, she is only just starting.
Above: Leicester City’s Ashley Plumptre, a former England Youth international who represents Nigeria in senior international football. Photo: Getty Images via BBC.
There are other players like Ashley Plumptre of Leicester City, Christy Ucheibe of Benfica, Evelyn Badu of Avaldness IL in Norway, and Vicky Lopez (who is still eligible to play for either Spain or Nigeria. We can’t wait to see the wonders they would perform this season even as we look forward to the women’s World Cup next year.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Melbourne City star Hannah Wilkinson and head coach Rado Vidosic as the Football Fern re-signs for the 2022/23 season. He also brings all the views ofMichaela Robertson – the first Wellington native to sign up for the Phoenix(30/9/22).
Above: Hannah Wilkinson – such a major player for Melbourne City last time round, is back in sky blue for the new season.Artwork: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City announced earlier today that New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson, their key attacker from last term, will return to City for the new A-League Women’s season.
Wilkinson played in the competition for the first time in 2021/22, enjoying a brilliant season finding the back of the net 14 times in 14 appearances, wreaking havoc for defences across the competition.
No performance was more memorable than the Boxing Day Melbourne Derby, Wilkinson becoming the second City player in the calendar year to score five goals against our cross-town rival.
A dominant first season for City saw Wilkinson rocket into second in the club’s all-time Women’s leading scorer list, now just three goals behind Jess Fishlock (17).
Above: Hannah Wilkinson (far left) celebrating another goal for Melbourne City last season. Photo: Melbourne City.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said securing Wilkinson’s signature was a big priority over the off-season.
“Hannah’s presence in the final third was huge for us all season and was a big factor in a number of the goals we scored. We’re delighted to welcome her back for the new season and look forward to seeing her again provide a focal point for us upfront. With plenty of experience and success all over the world, Hannah brings a great amount of leadership to our group.”
Wilkinson said it was an easy decision to return to City after an enjoyable first season in Melbourne.
“I loved our style of play and the exceptional players I had around me. I played some of my best football alongside those teammates, so I’m extremely excited to join up with them, along with some talented newcomers this season.
“I’d love to grab the Golden Boot I came so close to last season, but my goal is always to contribute to wins in any way I can. As a team, our collective goal is to win the double, which of course is the most important!”
Above: Michaela Robertson’s signing is a landmark one for Wellington Phoenix. Artwork: Wellington Phoenix.
Michaela Robertson is in line to become the first Wellingtonian and first Phoenix academy product to play for the women’s team.
The diminutive winger, who stands just 147cm tall, has signed on with the Nix for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, having spent the past two years with the academy’s emerging women’s programme.
“Wellington’s home for me so I’m excited about playing in front of my family and friends where my football started,” Robertson said.
“I’m really looking forward to my first pro season. Everything seemed to line up and there’s something about stepping into a role when it feels the timing is right.”
Robertson, 26, was the first women’s player to join the Phoenix academy on a full-time basis and believes it has helped her grow into a more well-rounded player.
“Training with the boys has been challenging. Obviously, they bring another level of physicality and pace which is something I tried to match and give them a good run for their money.
“But I think it’s helped me develop my game, with the quick-thinking and decision-making that’s required on the field. Also not being the tallest player I’ve needed to be strong and be able to hold the ball up and compete at that physical element of the game.
Above: Michaela Robertson will be looking for plenty more to celebrate at Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women. Photo: Capital Football.
“It’s been something that I’ve had to develop over the years, but I think that’s been beneficial being at the academy surrounded by guys that are a lot stronger and a lot taller and bigger than me.”
The former Football Ferns squad member doubts she’ll be the last Phoenix women’s player to come through the club’s academy.
“I’m hoping to be able to inspire some of those girls coming through. There’s heaps of talent and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of those names in the squad in the years to come.”
Robertson hopes joining the Phoenix will help her get back in front of Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková, who has yet to call-up the winger since taking charge last year.
“This season’s going to be critical for me. After the Olympics, I took a bit of a break and I still feel like I’m on the back foot slightly. I haven’t made one of Jitka’s squads yet so I’m hoping ahead of the World Cup next year an opportunity will come my way.
“I hope Jitka’s watching our games and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to showcase what I can do and what strengths I can bring to the team.”
Michaela Robertson qualifies for one of the five Australian quota spots in the full-time squad, alongside foundation players Isabel Gomez and Brianna Edwards.
Above: Michaela Robertson in action for Wellington United. Photo: Wellington United.
“My mum was born in Australia so I thought it’s best for me to come in as an Australian player and leave a Kiwi spot to develop another New Zealander. I’m lucky in that regard to sneak in as an Aussie, but I promise you I’m a fully-fledged Kiwi!”
Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence played with Robertson, when she first played senior football as a teenager, and has previously coached her at Capital Football.
“What’s really cool about Mickey is she’s got a lot of different experiences,” Lawrence said.
“She’s been involved with the Ferns, she went to the Olympics, she’s been in FFDP (Football Ferns Domestic Programme) and she’s a product of the Phoenix academy.
“She’s done the hard yards and really stuck at it. Playing with and against boys every single week is tough, but she’s done it because of the level of football she wants to play at.”
Lawrence believes Robertson will “bring heaps to the team both on and off the field”.
“She’s quick, she’s smart, she has an eye for goal, she has great experience and I know what I’ll get from her. She’s a massive fit for how we want to attack and our attacking threat this season. She’s also an amazing human being, one of the nicest humans you’ll ever meet.”
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