Banyana Banyana forward Amanda Mthandi has completed a move to Spanish outfit CD Badajoz from Sasol Women’s League side University of Johannesburg Ladies.

Mthandi joined the Spanish side after putting pen to paper on a one-year contract, with the option to extend her stay for another season.

The 24-year-old is set to make her professional debut in Europe once the 2020-21 season begins.

She becomes the second South African woman football player to move to Spain, following in the footsteps of Nothando Vilakazi who has signed for EDF Logrono in the Premier Division last week.

Speaking on joining the Spanish side, Mthandi said: ‘I am grateful beyond words.

‘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.

‘I was busy with my assignment which is due soon, and I had to put it aside and focus on these documents. And now, boom! I have signed for Badajoz. I am so elated and overwhelmed.

‘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. Also, being in a new place will come in handy as I will have more time to study after training or games – so I am glad that part of my life will not be disrupted, all I need to do is find the right balance like I have been doing here at home.’

She continued: ‘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. I am really looking forward to this new chapter of my life and I will make sure I represent my country.

Upon signing for her new club, she sent her Banyana Banyana teammates a message of gratitude, which reads: ‘Honestly, I am super grateful for all the love, support and warmth you guys have given me. I must say I have the world’s best team with me. The share of this victory goes to each one of you because we are a team. As much as we win and lose together, we also achieve and celebrate together. I honestly couldn’t ask for better teammates, you made the work a lot easier for me on the field and that is why today I am making this move – it was not an individual effort but a team effort,’ she said.

‘I am honoured to call myself a Banyana Banyana player, and will forever carry the spirit of this wonderful team where I am going. From the bottom of my heart, a huge thank you to all my fellow players, our coaches, physiotherapists, our drivers, video analysts, conditioning coaches, team security, media officers, team doctors as well as our kit manager. I am grateful beyond words and can’t wait to start this new journey.’

This is will be Mthandi’s first professional contract and becomes the second signing of the club before the start of the season, but she is waiting on her visa application before making her way to Spain.

The club announced her arrival on their website:

‘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 [extension option].’