Banyana’s Jane lost for words
STUNNED: MIDFIELDER GETS HER DREAM MOVE OVERSEAS
Striker Mulaudzi also pens deal with Canberra United FC.
Banyana Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane said she was stunned when she got the call to tell her she would be playing this season with Australian Women’s Premier League side Canberra United FC.
Jane, along with her Banyana team-mate, striker Rhoda Mulaudzi, were announced as new Canberra United players on Monday, after impressing head coach Heather Garriock in winter trials.
“Words struggled to come out of my mouth when coach Garriock told me the news,” Jane told the South African Football Association’s official website yesterday.
“I just couldn’t believe it. My own dream was manifesting right in front of my eyes. It was so surreal just to take it all in at one go.”
“I tried calling my parents to tell them of the good news; however, my call wouldn’t go through. That is when I decided to call my manager (Christa Kgampe). She is the one who was able to pass on that message to everybody. It was unbelievable.”
Garriock told the Canberra United official website why they had signed Jane and Mulaudzi, who will be the first South Africans to play in Australia’s Westfield W-League.
“In their short time here in Canberra Fifi and Rhoda have been very impressive,” Garriock said.
“It was hard for them to get here, and then to come in to a different environment and play, but they have done very well to adapt and really stood out to me.”
“Fifi’s (Jane’s) technical ability in midfield is simply outstanding, and in Rhoda I can see the pace and aggression that I’m looking for up front.”
Jane, meanwhile, said she has wanted to play overseas ever since she was 15.
“It actually started when I was 15 years old. I won a Future Champions football talent identification search where, as part of my prize, I was given an opportunity to fly out to England and train with sides like Arsenal and Everton.
“And although I had not gone there for trials, both coaches of the teams wanted me to stay. That is when I realised that I might actually have some special talent to offer the beautiful game. And that is when I started pursuing this dream of mine of wanting to go and play abroad. I am glad it’s finally happening.”