Ode is happy to come in from the cold

Ode Fulutudilu’s omission from the Banyana Banyana squad in the last three years didn’t affect her in any way and she says she always believed she would get another chance to be part of the team in the future.

The former Cape Town Roses striker last played for the senior national women’s team in 2014, with injuries disrupting her progress. She, however, has bounced back to her best form in the last couple of months after some fine displays at her new team Oulu Nice Soccer in Finland.

The 28-year-old, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has already scored 15 goals in the Naisten Liiga in Finland, which caught the eye of Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis prompting her to recall the striker to the national team recently for the two friendly matches against Chile.

“I last played a competitive game for Banyana in 2014, I then got called up to a couple of camps in 2015, but I did not play any official games. It feels great to be back and I was not nervous at all because the moment I moved to Finland I worked hard so that I could get this opportunity. So whenever I am called up I am ready,” said the striker.

“I have always known my time here was not done. I had never really shown what I am capable of because I was interrupted by injuries. I have always believed I have more to offer to the country and that they have not seen what I am capable of. That is why I always knew I would get a second chance.”

Fulutudilu believes her move to Finland has helped her to improve her game and says the league over there is very competitive and thanked her agent for believing in her.

“Last year I had a decent season with Cape Town Roses. We won the Coca-Cola Cup, scored the two goals to win the trophy and helped the team to get to the national play-offs. But this year it’s a very different ball game and environment. I am training every day, playing competitive football week in, week out and am able to work on myself both mentally and physically. I think I am a much better player than I was last year,” she added.

“The league in Finland is very competitive. A top team in the table can play a lower team and they won’t be guaranteed maximum points. There are no easy games every single week and I am just glad I have been doing what the team signed me for in the last couple of months, which is to score goals.

“My agent never gave up on me because he believed I had what it took to play in Europe. When a team in Finland wanted a player he put my name forward. They saw my clips and wanted to sign me on the spot. They booked flights within a week.”

The striker will now be hoping to stay injury-free and continue her great performances.