Liberty A-League leaders Sydney FC have bolstered their squad with the signings of Rola Badawiya and Teigan Collister.
Badawiya and Collister join for the remainder of the 2022-23 season as the Sky Blues eye a record-breaking third consecutive Premiership and record-equalling fourth Championship.
Sydney bring in 24-year-old United States-born forward Badawiya, who has earned her first professional contract in the Liberty A-League after starring for Sydney University in the 2022 NPLW NSW.
Badawiya won the NPLW NSW Women’s Player of the Year last season, while she finished runner-up in the Golden Boot race with 13 goals as Sydney Uni won the Premiership.
“Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I am feeling right now,” said former Roma forward Badawiya, who has been added to the squad for Wednesday’s top-of-the-table blockbuster against second-placed Western United.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity, there are a lot of people who would like to be in my position right now and it’s a massive achievement for me.
“I’m so excited to be playing alongside all of these fantastic players and the Matildas in this Sydney FC squad.
“I don’t think it has hit me how big this game is on Wednesday. It’s not only my first game with Sydney FC, but it’s a massive game for the whole club.
“It will be an amazing game to be a part of and hopefully I can get on and do some great things.”
Collister brings Liberty A-League experience to Sydney, having previously played for Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 22-year-old made 13 appearances for the Wanderers in 2021-22.
“Sydney FC has had the best women’s team in the country consistently over the course of the Liberty A-League, so it is an honour to be joining this club.
“I’m looking forward to how I can develop my game, especially under Ante Juric and his coaching staff, as well as working with these top quality players.
“I want to win trophies and Sydney FC is the club and squad who have the best chance of doing this.”
Sky Blues head coach Ante Juric added: “Teigan is strong and has pace and power and she’s a great addition to this squad.
“She can play anywhere across the front three which gives me great options from an attacking sense. She will work hard for the team, she gets on with the job and is an excellent fit for our team culture.
“Rola is also a solid performer having won the NPL Player of the Year and she has a lot of attributes which suit us in the attacking third.
“She will also fit in with our great culture as she has been training with us for around two months and is comfortable with what we do.”
Image source: Football NSW
