Spanish side CD Badajoz completed the signing of South African national women’s team forward Amanda Mthandi on a one-year deal from University of Johannesburg ladies who play in South Africa’s Sasol Women’s League.
“CD Badajoz has reached an agreement with South African international Amanda Mthandi for next season, and she has signed for a season, with an option for a second one,” the club said on its website.
The 24-year-old told the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) media team that she was elated and so overwhelmed by the opportunity to play in Europe.
“This came as a complete surprise to me. I started talking to the club a couple of weeks ago but then nothing materialised. I was surprised when talks resumed last week, and before I knew it, they sent me documents to sign,” Mthandi said.
She added that she will do her best to properly represent South Africa in “one of the best footballing nations” having signed her first professional contract.
“Like every footballer, my dream was to play abroad – but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be in one of the best footballing nations, and also so soon. I just can’t wait to meet my new teammates, and learn everything there is to know in my new environment.”
She told SAFA that she will not let her transfer affect her studies and will find the right balance between time on the pitch and for books.
“The good thing is that due to Covid-19 and the lockdown, we have been studying from home and writing exams online, so when I move to Spain I will continue with what I have been doing, the way I have been doing it.”
Mthandi has represented Banyana Banyana at the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana and was part of South Africa’s squad at their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in 2019.
Mthandi is the latest South African woman football player to join a Spanish side after Nothando Vilakazi, who signed for EDF Logrono in the Premier Division. Two other South Africans have played in Spain: Ode Fulutudilu, who now plays in Finland, and Jermaine Seoposenwe, who moved to Portugal.
