Exclusive Q & A with Matildas star Tameka Butt

Exclusive Q & A with Matildas star Tameka Butt

0
SHARE

Before the Matildas jet off to the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada next month, midfielder Tameka Butt discussed the team’s preparation and expectations in an exclusive interview with Outside90’s Domenic Favata. 

Butt, 23, has played all around the world in her short professional career, plying her trade in Europe, America, Japan and currently with the Brisbane Roar.

This is her second Women’s World Cup after featuring in 2011, and she believes the Matildas are ready to match the performance of the Socceroos on the world stage and catch the Australian public’s eye.

Outside90: The team progressed through to the knockout phase in 2011 eventually losing to Sweden. Do you believe the squad selected by Alen Stajcic has the potential to progress further this time around?

Tameka Butt: Yes, definitely. Collectively as a squad we have not only worked on our team tactics but also our opponent’s tactics and have come up with a system that the whole team understands. Not to mention the talent that the squad possesses. 

O90: On a personal note, you only returned from a lengthy lay off from injury last month. How are your preparations going for the World Cup?

TB: Part of my preparation involved having some time off, not only to let my injury settle down but to build my body back up in a way that meant I could quickly regain and maintain my fitness through to the end of the World Cup. So, even though my preparation has been modified I have still spent lengthy time in camp with the squad and very much understand our system.

O90: This is your second World Cup after featuring in 2011 as a teenager. Do you think you’re better prepared this time around to really fulfil your potential?

TB: Yes, for sure. My experience from 2011 has given me an understanding of what to expect and how to deal with the distractions and hype of such a big event. I think my past experience has also made me so much more excited knowing that not only have I developed and progressed as a player but as a person as well. [Now] I know how much I am willing to give for my team.

Tameka at the 2011 Womens World Cup.
Tameka at the 2011 Womens World Cup.

O90: At only 23, has the experience of playing in America, Europe, Japan and here in Australia with Brisbane Roar prepared you to be able to match it with the best on the world stage?

TB: All of my experiences have been so different but the one constant that has been present in every team and league that I have played in is the passion for football –  that inner drive to train hard everyday, whether they’re the best or the worst player on the team. I’ve never met a player that doesn’t talk of the top.

O90: Your coach Alen Stajcic has not been in the job for long (September 2014), but how have the girls taken to him and his coaching style?

TB: You’re right, Staj [Stajcic] hasn’t been top man for long but he has been involved in women’s football here in Australia since before I kicked my first ball. He knows each and every player in our squad, from their very best strength to their weakest attribute. Most of the squad has played under him before, either for Sydney or in a youth national team, so everyone is accustomed to his coaching style and is excited to be playing some attacking football. 

O90: The Matildas have the USA, Nigeria and 2011 nemesis Sweden in the group stage. What are you expectations of these nations?

TB: I think every game played at a World Cup is going to be intense, passionate and exciting, no matter whom the opposition. The fact that we haven’t beaten the USA before and Sweden knocked us out [of the] last World Cup only adds accelerant to the fire in our bellies. We strive as underdogs and love the pressure of big games, so I say bring it on.

O90: What is your take on the media coverage of the Matildas so far? Earlier this year the W-League lost television coverage after ABC pulled out due to budget government cuts. SBS will of course broadcast the matches, but does the women’s game get their fair share of media coverage?

TB: I have to say well done to SBS for getting in on the action of the women’s game. Female football is exploding around the world, I have no doubt the amazing talent that will be showcased at the Women’s World Cup will be making headlines right around the world. Just have a look at the highlights of the W-League, the class we have right here in Australia is jaw dropping. I’m confident the W-League will be back on our screens soon enough.

O90: The FFA ‘Whole of Football Plan’ included a host of ambitious targets for the next 25 years of football in Australia, including hosting the 2023 Womens World Cup. Is that something that excites you?

TB: Of course, I can’t even begin to imagine how insane it would be to play or even witness a World Cup on our own soil (soil because we’d be playing on grass :P). Australia has demonstrated that they can host a successful campaign through the Men’s Asia Cup. To host the biggest women’s international football event would not only boost our football culture as a whole here in Australia but also [bring] our female sporting culture to new heights.

O90: In your opinion, in order to strengthen the women’s game here in Australia what else needs to be done to ensure the prosperity of the W-League and Matildas?

TB: We need more exposure. Like anything we need to be seen, and I think that comes from not only the media being more proactive towards women’s sport in general but also from our governing bodies in creating content and hype about our game.

 What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY