Servette FC defender, Bénédicte Simon has officially joined the Black Queens training camp in Birmingham ahead of the upcoming international friendly in England.
The French-born Ghanaian defender checked in with high spirits and has since integrated in with team. In a conversation with the team’s media, Benedicte talks on what it meant to get called into the Black Queens and a lot more.
Below is her full interview with Ghanafa.org.
On how it feels to receive your first call-up to the national team
I’m very glad and happy, it’s an honor. For me, Ghana means a lot of things. It’s my motherland, so am happy to be here. It was like a dream because it’s been a long time that I wanted to come here. When I saw my name, I said, oh, I called my mother and I said, am in the list. I was so happy.
On her football journey so far
I started to play in Reims. It’s a French club. Then I went to PSG for three years. I played in Juventus, I played in Athletico Madrid, I played in Valencia in Spain. I also played in Sassuolo in Italy, so I did a lot of clubs. Now I’m in Servette in Switzerland and I play as a right back or sometimes I can play in the left side.
On her experience with her teammates in camp
My teammates are so nice, and they were happy for my first call. Yes, I felt happy. Also, I was surprising for the level. They are good players on the pitch as well.
On what she brings on board as a player
I can say my power. I’m like an explosive player. I can dribble. I can play in offensive part and defensive part and even with my speed.
On who she is off the pitch
And outside the pitch, am a nice girl. I can dance; I can smile with every other people. I’m a little shy I can say.
On what she wishes to achieve with the Black Queens
I don’t have any pressure on me and just as our coach said, for example, in one and a half year, it’s the objective to be in the World Cup. And yes, it’s my same wish. A message to the young girls who wish to make a career out of football. As my parents say, if you love football, just play. Don’t worry about the person who will say, Oh, no, you’re not good enough. You can’t play because you’re a girl. Just play. Just focus on your goals. If you have, for example, an objective, just go straight away in the objective. The Black Queens defensive line will receive a major boost as her inclusion brings experience, composure, and versatility to the group, having competed at top levels in European football.
