by A few weeks back Swieqi United announced that they will have a new pair of safe hands in Patricia Araujo, nicknamed Paty. She joins the Owls on loan from the Brazilian giants Corinthians. Paty has been training with the team for a few weeks now and ahead of her potential debut with Swieqi United, The Sporting Fan met with her to speak about her beginnings in football and what led to her embarking on this journey in Malta. We also discussed her experience so far with the team and first impressions of Malta.
Eleanor Saliba (ES): When and how did you first start playing football?
Patricia Araujo (PA): I started eleven years ago, so I was around thirteen to fourteen years old. I started at the Olympic Centre (Centro Olimpico) in Sao Paolo, where I played until 2016. Following that I signed with Corinthians.
ES: Did you always want to be a goalkeeper or was there someone who guided you to it?
PA: When I went for the trial at the Olympic Centre in 2012, I did not do so great on the day. However, when we were finishing the session I played as a goalkeeper and I saved a very good ball. So, the coach invited me for a two-week trial as a goalkeeper and I did well, so I signed as a goalkeeper and continued from there.
ES: Can you give a brief overview of your move to Corinthians and time with them?
PA: I was playing with the minors and the seniors in 2016 at the Olympic Centre. The women’s Corinthians senior team saw me playing and invited me to play with them where I immediately started playing with the senior team.
The twenty-six-year-old has had plenty of success in her time with Corinthians, racking up a total of thirteen titles. The most recent title came last year when the team lifted the Supercopa Do Brasil.
ES: Why did you feel that a move to Malta/Europe was the right thing for your career this year?
PA: When I received the offer, I spoke a lot with my family on the opportunity. We decided together that it was a good time for me to have a new challenge, because I am still young and I want to play regular football to keep improving.
ES: Swieqi United won the Assikura Women’s Knockout last year and are searching for the league title this year, which brings with it an opportunity to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Is this something that particularly excites you about the upcoming season?
PA: When I received the offer from Swieqi United, the coach made it clear that last year they won the cup and that this year there is the ambition to win the league title and play in the Champions League. It is a dream for me to play in the Champions League, since I believe it is the biggest tournament.
ES: How would you describe yourself as a goalkeeper?
PA: I am good with my feet which I believe is important in today’s football and I would say I am very good at one versus one situations. I also bring experience after playing with one of the biggest (if not the biggest) women’s team in Brazil at Corinthians. I know it is important to be a leader as a goalkeeper, so I talk to my teammates as well to help the team.
ES: How do you like living in Malta so far?
PA: I like it a lot, there are many beautiful places. I visited Sliema and Valletta and they are very nice. These last two weeks have been a bit too hot for me when compared to what I am used to in Sao Paolo, so it will be better once it gets a bit colder for me. I am Catholic and there are also many beautiful churches, which I really like. I have been here only for two weeks but I am understanding the country more and really like it so far. So, right now my idea is more that I want to bring my family here than go back to Brazil!
ES: How has your experience been with the team in preparation to start the league?
PA: The preparation for the second game of the league has been very good. The team is really helpful to try to help me understand everything. Football is a universal language, so we work together to try to improve. The first game was good, the second one will be even better.
ES: Considering your experience winning titles back home, how do you approach a season to achieve those titles?
PA: I think the most important thing is to have the consistency. Some days we may not be playing so well, but the focus should be on winning the games despite this. Every day is an opportunity to be better, but you need to be focused.
ES: What will you consider to be a good performance when playing your first game with Swieqi United?
PA: I would say the most important is to win the game and with a clean sheet!
Quick Fire Questions:
- Save a penalty or win a 1v1 in open play? – Win a 1v1 in open play
- Play in cold weather or hot weather? – Cold weather
- Feijoada (rice and beans) or Churrasco (bbq steak)? – Churrasco
- Favourite football player? – Lionel Messi and Grazi
- Coffee or Tea? – Coffee
- Getting ready for a match: music or no music? – Music
- If you were not a football player, what sport would you play? –Futsal
- Favourite Holiday? – Christmas
- Dream competition to play in? – UEFA Women’s Champions League
- Dream Stadium to play in? – Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro
The Sporting Fan thanks Paty for her time to be able bring you this feature and look forward to seeing her make her debut on the pitch very soon. Swieqi United FC will continue their league commitments next Saturday 9th September against San Gwann FC at 21:00 (Mgarr Ground).
Lead Image by Michael Azzopardi – Paty with head coach Saviour Darmanin (right) and goalkeeper’s coach James Borg
