Just like in each of the previous editions, the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ is set to showcase the talents of some of the brightest starlets in the female game.
Among those tipped to shine is colossal Canadian centre-back Bridget Mutipula, who has received plaudits from the Canucks’ head coach, Jen Herst, not only for her on-field exploits, but also for providing a positive presence in the dressing room: “She’s what I call a ‘connector’ – she talks to everybody and connects everybody. She’s a representation of the talent that we have coming through; it’s an exciting time for soccer in Canada.”
As well as acting as the glue that keeps her team-mates together on and off the pitch, Mutipula serves as the link between the group of players who are gearing up for the maiden U-17 Women’s World Cup to be contested on the African continent and the generation that failed to punch their ticket to last year’s instalment in the Dominican Republic.
Made to bide her time on the bench for much of the qualifying campaign for that tournament, the Zambia-born ace vividly recalls the semi-final heartbreak she endured when the final whistle sounded as Les Rouges were edged out 2-1 by Mexico after extra-time, a result that put paid to the Canadians’ hopes of lining up on Caribbean turf.
“It was so devastating,” recalled the 17-year-old defender. “We were tied 1-1. I came on and assisted a goal, but it was disallowed [because the ball had gone out of play]. To this day, I always wonder, ‘What if I hadn’t run it out of play? We would have made it’.”
The Nova Scotia-raised starlet was just 16 when she suffered that setback, and the fact that the U-17 global showpiece is now set to take place on an annual basis – as opposed to the previous biennial arrangement – gives her the opportunity to make up for lost time, and it is one she intends to seize with both hands. “At first, I didn’t know I’d get another chance this year. We found out a couple of months later, so it was really good. It’s amazing that we made it,” the youngster declared. “It’s brilliant that we made the World Cup again for redemption.”
Drawn alongside Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico in continental qualifying, the Canadians were determined not to be haunted by last year’s failings in their decisive showdown against the Puerto Ricans. Despite trailing 2-1 with a little over half an hour remaining, the Canucks stormed back to claim a 3-2 victory. “Puerto Rico was a pretty tough game,” recalled the defender. “It was a topsy-turvy match, but we won, which was emotional for us.”
Since that triumph on 6 April, which secured the Canadians’ spot at the upcoming extravaganza, the tournament has been on the prodigy’s mind “every single day.” However, as Mutipula has been counting down the hours until the big kick-off, she has certainly had plenty to keep her busy.
In terms of her club career, at the tender age of 14, she checked in at the academy at Vancouver Rise – a club with ties to the Vancouver Whitecaps – where she combines her on-field development with her studies. As she so clearly puts it, although she is now flourishing, upping sticks from Nova Scotia – where she spent most of her childhood – to British Columbia, on the other side of the country, was a big ask.
“When I got the letter saying I was on the team and moving there, it was the best moment ever. It was hard at first considering I’d lived in Nova Scotia for my entire life, and I was still very young. But everyone in Vancouver was so welcoming, and being hosted by people was great – it really helped. Now I’m loving it.”
Mutipula’s fledgling career has already served up a number of exciting episodes, with the undisputed highlight being her first call-up to represent Les Rouges. “It was the best moment of my entire life. I felt like all my hard work had paid off. I can’t even explain the feeling. It was amazing.”
Sublimely confident in her ability to forge a career in the professional ranks of the game, the commanding centre-back made her top-flight debut for the Rise this past August. The opportunity to cut her teeth on the global stage in Morocco is sure to aid her progress as she looks to build on a very promising start to her footballing journey.
“It’s going to be really hard, but you have to stay focused,” commented the ball-playing centre-back in reference to the upcoming competition, in which the Canucks are set to pit their wits against Nigeria, Samoa and France in Group D. “I think we have a pretty good group. France will definitely be our hardest opponents,” explained the defender, who is particularly relishing the prospect of facing Mickael Ferreira’s star-studded squad.
The attackers who find themselves up against Mutipula will be tasked with overcoming a determined defender who won’t afford them as much as an inch and is sure to make life difficult for them. “On the pitch, she’s athletic. She’s super composed on the ball,” explained Herst. “As a team, as a collective, we’re all really excited to see her grow through this tournament and what she can bring.”
As for her style of play, Mutipula models her game on Dutch man mountain Virgil van Dijk. “I love that he’s a strong defender. He puts himself out there and his body on the line every time. It’s just amazing to watch him on the field.”
The greatest compliment she has ever received was when an onlooker drew a parallel between her defensive endeavours and the Liverpool stalwart’s trademark techniques: “One time, I was playing soccer with a couple of people and someone told me that I defend just like him. It was the best moment for me because I really look up to him.”
Spurred on by a burning desire to set the record straight after last year’s disappointment, the up-and-coming stopper is itching to finally make her mark on the tournament. Indeed, Les Rouges’ “connector” will be looking to inspire her country to a repeat of the semi-final finish secured by the class of 2018 and even dares to harbour ambitions of capturing the coveted crown.
Photos: Canada Soccer
