Chuene Morifi discusses impact of Turkish move on Banyana prospects
Former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies winger Chuene Morifi has revealed whether her recent move to Turkey will influence her chances of securing a Banyana Banyana call-up ahead of the upcoming WAFCON tournament.
The 33-year-old footballer joined the Turkish women’s football side Beylerbeyi on a one-year deal from Banyana Ba Style in the SA Super League.
The veteran winger has been playing for Masandawana since 2017 and has won numerous titles with the club, including the SASOL Women’s Championship, the Hollywoodbet Super League title [four times], the COSAFA CAF Women’s Qualifiers [on two occasions], and the CAF Women’s Champions League [two times].
Morifi is expected to help Beylerbeyi finish in a better position in the Turkish first division [Turkish Women’s Football Super League] and qualify for major competitions like the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Last season, the team finished in fifth place after collecting 57 points in 30 matches.
CHUENE MORIFI ON POSSIBILITY OF GETTING BANYANA BANYANA CALL-UP AFTER TURKISH MOVE
In a recent interview with FARPost, the talented winger stated that her move to Beylerbeyi in Turkey is not about getting recognition from the Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, but for her football career growth.
“Well, I don’t know. But look, my main objective to take up on this opportunity was not to get recognition to represent Banyana Banyana,” Morifi told this publication.
“This move was more of me to grow as a player and challenge myself career-wise because I have been looking for an opportunity like this.
“Even though I feel like I still have unfinished business with my previous club, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, I felt I needed to move abroad to challenge myself and start a new chapter of my football career.”
Banyana are set to battle out with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finalists, England, in an away international friendly encounter next month.
Ellis’ troops take on England at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Tuesday, 29 October 2024.
This international friendly showdown will be part of South Africa’s preparations for next year’s WAFCON competition due to be held in Morocco.
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