Champions League experience invaluable for Gold Coast United NPL Women’s signing Bella Habuda
A Champions League campaign with Austrian giants SK Sturm Graz has Gold Coast United recruit Bella Habuda primed to make an immediate mark in the club’s looming NPL Women’s season.
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A CHAMPIONS League campaign with Austrian giants SK Sturm Graz has Gold Coast United recruit Bella Habuda primed to make an immediate mark in the club’s looming NPL Women’s season.
One of the final pieces of United’s 2020 NPLW squad fell into place on Friday with the signing of Canadian striker Habuda, whose career has already included stints in top women’s leagues in Israel, Sweden and Austria.
The 23-year-old’s time in Europe was highlighted by last year’s Champions League tilt with Sturm Graz, with the experience instilling a belief she can help United improve on their 2019 semi-final appearance.
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“I’ve always wanted to come to Australia and play in this league. I’ve had several friends who’ve played here and they’ve only ever had great things to say about it,” Habuda said ahead of the NPLW season kick-off next month.
“With my season ending at Graz, it was the perfect time for me to make the move Down Under. I played in the Champions League (last year) and the highest league in Austria. That was a fantastic experience.
“I’m hoping to have an impact on the attacking front (for United) and score a lot of goals. That’s what I’m passionate about.
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“I like to be creative with the other forwards, interchanging spots and gelling as a team.”
Habuda’s football journey started at an early age before working her way into the Canadian youth system and making her debut for the national under-17 team as a 15-year-old in 2012.
United coach Alex Bundalo, a former NSL veteran, said the Ontario product would add a new dimension to his side’s attack.
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“Bella’s got a real eye for goal and brings a huge amount of experience with her, having played at a professional level. I’m expecting some good things with Bella involved,” Bundalo said.
“She’s a very athletic, pacy attacker with a great attitude. She’s a terrific fit for our squad.”
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