Bongeka Gamede has been rewarded for her outstanding performances as she has moved to play for FC Nordsjælland. The deal was confirmed on Thursday, 7 November 2024 after earlier reports said the Banyana Banyana player had signed for an unnamed club overseas.
Before her move, Gamede was the talk of the town as she dazzled with her performances for her now former side, the University of the Western Cape. The player was instrumental in leading Thinasonke Mbuli’s teams to the CAF Women’s Champions League and finishing runners-up in the Hollywoodbets Super League for the past two seasons.
“It is a dream for all African players to come to Europe and play football, so it is a dream come true that I am now standing here in Farum.”
Banyana Banyana Defender Bongeka Gamede Moves from UWC to FC Nordsjælland in Denmark
In comments* on Nordsjaelland’s website, Gamede says she is fulfilling a long-time dream now that she is playing for a European club.
“I had a desire to complete my education before I took the trip to Europe, and when I started to delve into the playing style and culture here at FC Nordsjælland, I couldn’t say no. I loved everything about the club, and I am convinced that I can develop here at FCN. So the timing couldn’t be better either.”
“FC Nordsjælland is known for playing good football, where we want to have possession of the ball, which suits me incredibly well. I am sure that the style of play can make me an even better player, and I hope that I can also contribute a lot to the team”, she said.
She says the Danish club is one she is familiar with and feels it’s the right club for her to join.
“I knew about FC Nordsjælland beforehand, because of their connection with Right to Dream. My agent and I worked together to find the best match for me, and I personally think that I have ended up in the right place.”
Gamede is hoping to bring her brave play to her new club, and has goals of becoming a top player for the Danish team. “I’m not the loudest player, but I’m very brave and not afraid to step up.
“I am very goal-oriented as a player, and if I had to describe myself in a few words, I would probably define myself as a “silent killer” on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, the club’s Sporting Director Jessica Davis sang Gamede’s praises, confirming that the club had their eye on Gamede for some time.
“We are incredibly happy that we have finally succeeded in welcoming Bongeka here at FC Nordsjælland. Among other things, she showed herself well in the recent qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League for her former team, so she has been on our radar for a long time.”
FC Nordsjælland Sporting Director Jessica Davis
She added that Gamede is just the type of player they were looking to add to their set-up at the club.
“Bongeka is an interesting player for us, as, despite a smaller physical package than we are used to here in Denmark, she can cover large areas with her speed and overview. In addition, she is very comfortable on the ball, which is why we see only good reasons why she should probably fit in well with us here at FCN.”
Davis says getting the 25-year-old was something they were set on doing for a while as she possesses the qualities that they look for in players.
“We have wanted to bring Bongeka to FCN for a long time, as we have, among other things, seen several glimpses from the South African national team, where she plays according to the principles of our style of play. We are sure she will be a great addition to the squad where she still has potential to develop.”
“In addition, Bongeka is a great person. She was captain of her previous team, which is why we are convinced that she will come in with the right mentality, and we are therefore looking forward to following her development closely.”
Main Photo Caption: Banyana Banyana and former University of the Western Cape defender Bongeka Gamede has signed with FC Nordsjælland, fulfilling a long-time dream now that she is playing for a European club. Photo: FC Nordsjælland
Photo 2 Caption: Bongeka was part of the Banyana Banyana when winning the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: FC Nordsjælland
Photo 3 Caption: In the deal confirmed on Thursday, Sporting Director Jessica Davis said Gamede had been on the team’s radar for some time. Photo: FC Nordsjælland
Photo 4 Caption: Having completed her studies, Bongeka Gamede has been rewarded with her dream of playing top flight European football. Photo: FC Nordsjælland
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