Gabby Salgado has long wanted to be a footballer, and when she got a chance to follow her passion she did not let it slip by.
When she was only 12 years old, the dynamic midfielder was “cooked” by Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk in private coaching sessions, before making her move to the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) High Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria.
This is where she further got to know more about the game as they juggled daily training sessions with education.
Salgado was called up to the U17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana) and graduated a level higher to Basetsana (SA U20 Women’s National Team).
During this time, her talents were on display for everyone to see.
And it was not long before she was noticed by Banyana Banyana’s technical team who invited her to one of their training camps.
And she never looked back.
Her dream came true in 2018 when she made her Senior Women’s National Team debut, playing alongside her role model Van Wyk at both club level and in the national team. Salgado had signed for the JVW FC first team.
Her love for the game and the passion to impart her knowledge saw her being appointed Head coach of the Randburg Football Club – NPC Ladies team, which plays in the SAFA Johannesburg Regional League.
She was part of the recent Banyana Banyana squad that saw Desiree Ellis’ charges qualify for their 12thsuccessive Africa Women’s Cup of Nations that will be played in Morocco from 2-23 July this year.
Centre Circle caught up with her and she had this to say:
Centre Circle: You were an integral part of both JWV FC and Banyana Banyana in 2021, how did you manage the balance?
Gabby Salgado: Determination definitely plays a big role in balance. Hard work and commitment and just knowing the goals I had as an individual & what I wanted to accomplish during the year.
CC: This was JVW’s first season in the Hollywoodbets Super League – and difference from playing in the Sasol League?
GS: Yes there was a big difference coming into the Super league. The intensity of games and traveling made a big difference compared to the Sasol league where we did not have to travel far, and the matches were easier to deal with, which led to us getting good results that saw us compete and win the Sasol League National Champs.
CC: JVW finished in fourth position the league, that’s was a good run from newcomers in the Hollywoodbets Super League? What worked for the club?
GS: I think the hard work and dedication the team displayed till the end of the season, showing character & determination even when things got tough. We all wanted to do well and it showed in our play, we are a team that never gives up, even when we lost ground to eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, we kept on going.
CC: Your strongest opponent in your first season of the Super League?
GS: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies was our strongest opponent, but the positive from that scenario is that it helped us as team see where we are and what we have to improve on as a team and as individuals.
CC: The departure of your long-time coach, how will it affect the team, if at all?
GS: Coach Ciara played a big part in getting us through this league. She was very motivating and always made sure we knew the task at hand. If anything Coach Ciara has left her mark and we will always remember what she has taught us. She will definitely be missed. But the good thing is that I believe we have found a suitable replacement https://centrecircle.archgriffin-hosting.co.za/jvw-fc-has-a-new-coach/ in coach Musa Arthur, I have confidence that he will take us to greater heights.
CC: Can we see JVW challenging for honours in 2022?
GS: Yes most definitely! We have had a taste of the Hollywoodbets Super League and saw what the teams are all about. We are no longer finding our feet, we have good knowledge of that this league is about and in the new season I trust we will be a team to beat, more so because we have a new coach and have welcomed some new players. Watch this space!!
By Matlhomola Morake
