Striker Ode Fulutudilu is the latest Banyana Banyana player to switch clubs, following on the footsteps of midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who moved from Sweden to Glasgow City FC in Scotland.
Fulutudilu has left French side FC Fleury 91 and returned to Spain to sign for Spanish Women’s First Division side Real Betis on Tuesday (31 January 2023) after completing her medicals – she was previously on the books of Malaga (Spain) in the 2018/19 season.
The DR Congo-born and Cape Town-raised player’s contract is until the end of the season.
“Real Betis made me an offer that was hard to resist and I also wanted to take on the challenge of doing something big for such a big club by hopefully being a piece of a puzzle that they need. I hope to be an answer to what the club have been looking for. I was really enjoying myself in France – the team and the environment was amazing, but my game time there has been limited so had to make a decision based on soccer and not how comfortable I was there. I’ve actually been wanting to come back to Spain for a long because the first time around I did not feel like I was able to truly show what I was capable of,” said Fulutudilu from her new base in Spain after putting pen to paper.
Before arriving at the Green and Whites, the well-travelled striker was on the books of ONS in Finland (2017/18), Malaga CF in Spain (2018/19), Aland United in Finland (2019/20), Glasgow City in Scotland (2021/22) and FC Fluery 91 in France.
Fulutudilu, who was part of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, is the third South African plying her trade in Spain following in the footsteps of defender Noko Matlou who is with SD Eibar and midfielder Leandra Smeda who plays for Dux Logrono – both teams are in the Women’s Second division.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I hope and pray that this time around things will be different and better. I’m really excited, and I believe I’m meant to be here. This is a great club and my only desire is to help them wherever I can. I’m so honoured to be here,” added Fulutudilu.
The striker will have to be at her best help Real Betis Women move from the relegation zone.
The Spanish club is currently 14th in the 16-team league after 17 matches – winning a disappointing four, drawing two and losing 11.
Fulutudilu will have to hit the ground running as her new side has been shy in front of goals – managing only 17, while conceding 37.
Real Betis Women has not won a game in 2023 – losing four and drawing one.
Their next assignment will be even tougher as they face the hot and high-riding log leaders, Barcelona on Saturday, 5 February.
Fulutidulu has been handed jersey number 2.
By Matlhomola Morake
