Ayesha Moosa reflects on first season in Spain

CD Argual's first season in the Segunda Federación Femenina Group 2 saw them finish 8th on the final log standings.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Moosa, who is back in South Africa for the off-season, says she will have more confidence in her game when she goes back to her club. 

“For me, it was my first experience abroad playing international football. There was a lot of learning for me, especially in Spain, because their tactics are on a much higher level,” said Moosa.

“Also, me joining the team, the coach saw a lot of potential in me so he started putting me in other positions that I haven’t played in so that was also good learning for me. 

"I played three or four positions in the past season which I haven’t done before, and just overall, I enjoyed it and it was one of the best experiences.

"To be going back there now with a better understanding just gives me more confidence in my game.” 

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Moosa shared insight into the standard of coaching in Spain compared to what she was accustomed to back home.

“For me, obviously I feel the intensity of the tactics is much higher as well as the coaching. They recognise things faster and they have so many plans in place for one game," she added.

"In South Africa we’re used to a standard 4-3-3 or we play one simple formation and that’s it for the rest of the game, but in Spain it constantly changes, it’s not just one formation.

"There are times where you just have to realise these moments and change from there which are things I have never experienced here from a coaching level or playing level."

One of the biggest differences for the 22-year-old is also the level of investment and support the women's game receives in Spain.

"I think Spain is one of the best at their tactics, men and women’s football is amazing just to see. It’s like a little dance of their own. 

"And the intensity of the game is naturally faster because players understand their game and fortunately there we are able to focus a lot more on football.

“Here [South Africa], unfortunately, we do not have a professional league so we are always lacking in resources, and gym and all of that stuff so I think that naturally makes the game faster as well," Moosa concluded.