MFA Žalgiris-MRU have added Tanzania international defender Noela Patrick Luhala to their squad as preparations continue for the new season.
The 20-year-old arrived in Vilnius earlier in February and has already featured three times in green and white. Luhala made her debut on 8 February in the Winter Cup against Kauno rajono futbolo akademija, scoring in a 6-0 win.
She then started back-to-back matches on 14 and 15 February, playing in a Winter Cup fixture against MFK Žalgiris and in the Baltic Women’s Football League against Saku Sporting.
Luhala said she has settled quickly in Lithuania, praising the dressing-room environment and coaching staff, while admitting the winter conditions have been a challenge.
“My first impressions are really very good – a great group, the girls are friendly and helped me settle in a new place,” she said. “The coaches are real professionals too, training is interesting and useful. The only serious drawback is the very cold winter.”
Luhala spent the end of last year in Turkey with 1207 Antalyaspor, where she played 12 league matches and scored once. “It was a very good experience, a valuable introduction to high-level football,” she said. “I believe it will help me in Lithuania. I feel I can keep improving with MFA Žalgiris-MRU and contribute to the team’s wins.”
Her next game is scheduled for Sunday, when MFA Žalgiris-MRU face FA Šiauliai in the Winter Cup final at the Žirmūnai Gymnasium indoor arena. After that, Luhala is set to leave for a training camp with the Tanzania women’s national team.
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Source: https://www.mfazalgiris.lt/naujienos/mfa-zalgiris-mru-ekipoje-tanzanijos-rinktines-gyneja/
