Daniells Thrives On International Stage
Words: Sam Flanagan
Image: Patrick Leigh Perspectives
Olympic FC Women forward Matalena Daniells is aiming to make the most of her recent international experience with Samoa in PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016.
The 20-year-old spearheaded Samoa’s charge in the Oceania Football Confederation Under-20 Women’s Championships in Tonga recently - scoring four goals in as many matches as captain of the side.
The Australian-born Daniells, who was eligible for the Samoa team through her mother, reflected on her experience and leadership role in the team.
“To captain the team was a bit unexpected but I didn’t feel like I was thrown into the deep end. I had already had some leadership experience,” Daniells said.
Originally hailing from Innisfail in north Queensland, Daniells says she aims to return for Olympic FC in next year’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women’s competition after battling injury throughout 2015.
“Yeah it was unfortunate (2015). I had an achilles problem so I missed a lot of the season,” she explained.
“I came down here for uni initially – I’m studying PE teaching - but I also wanted to play soccer down here because the level is a lot better then what we had back home in Innisfail.”
“The NPL has definitely improved me as a player, especially under pressure. The quality is so high compared to back home.”
Despite the injury setbacks, Daniells said her Olympic FC teammates eased her transition into the team last season and she was looking to further her contributions next year.
“I’ve settled in really easily. Knowing Liz (Doherty) initially and now I’ve become good friends with all the girls. We have a close bond with each other,” she said.
“I’m hoping to improve my game next season and get a start in every match because last season I’d be coming on at half time.”
She is also hopeful an injury-free 2016 will become the stepping-stone to a national jersey of a different kind.
“The dream is to play for the Matildas, but I think I’m a long way off that at the moment. Hopefully I’m in the W-League in the next five years,” she concluded.
Olympic FC has not publicly announced any members of its Women's squad for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season, with trials scheduled to continue until the end of the month.
This story originally appeared on the official Olympic FC website.
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