Bountou Sylla: "It's time for my talent to shine on the continent"
Ever smiling, the Determine Girls striker is thinking big for her first participation in this year's CAF Women's Champions League. Still unknown to the world, the Guinean wants to follow in the footsteps of women's football stars from the continent like Asisat Oshoala, Ajara Njoya and Thembi Kgatlana. These are players with extraordinary careers, whom the striker of the Liberian champions admires so much.
Following her illustrious performance in the WAFU Zone A qualifiers in Liberia where she won the Best Player of the Tournament, Bountou Sylla hopes first of all to lead her team, the Determine Girls to glory on the continental level.
Cafonline.com: You are about to take part in the Women's Champions League for the first time, what are your impressions?
Bountou Sylla: First, I'm excited. I want only one thing to be on the field, and to show what my team and myself are capable of. We have worked so hard to be present in this competition, one thing is certain is that we are not here to make up the numbers. It is true that on the international level, we have no experience. But since last year, we have learned to win and winning tastes good. Proud to be part of the history of this tournament. Thank you to the Confederation of African Football for highlighting our work, and showing that women's football in Africa is of excellent quality.
You have been in this club, the Determine Girls, for two years, can you tell us how your integration went?
I will never forget my first encounter with Liberia. Guinea was to face Liberia in a friendly match. I had played well and some well-placed members of Liberian football approached me, so I signed with the Girls. From the first days, I was welcomed into the team. My teammates put me at ease, I had the impression of having grown up with them, and that I had known them forever. You know, I have always been told that a good atmosphere within a team is essential to obtain good results. I refuted this belief for a long time, until I arrived in Liberia.
Are you also an example of the development of inter-African women's football?
Yes, I haven't left the continent yet. I want to say that we have good clubs here in Africa, talented girls who can compete on a pitch against anyone. It is now enough to inject the means. A competition like the Women's Champions League is an excellent showcase for us locals. I am sure that after this second edition, many top African men's clubs will open a women's section.
What makes Determine Girls such a special club?
What I like about this club is the winning culture. The coach motivates us like no other. Football is played eleven against eleven, we have the same physical faculties as the opponent with two feet and one head. This mentality will serve me all my life. Then, thanks to Determine Girls, I manage to satisfy the needs of my family. When my family is well, I am well.
58 goals in the Liberian league, are you the best at it?
The credit goes above all to my colleagues and my sisters-in-arms. Me, I only push the ball into the net. They have a lot to do with this success. It comes back to what I was telling you, I am physically and mentally well, so ready for the competition.
What does this Women's Champions League represent for you?
Visibility. I will be sincere with you. For the moment, I am known for my work but not recognized by the world of football. Because the Liberian championship is visible only on the Liberian territory. We have to show what we are capable of.