Every young sport fan grows up wanting to represent their country at a World Cup in their hometown.
In the New Zealand v Philippines FIFA Women’s World Cup match in Wellington, CJ Bott lived that dream.
The result was not what she would have wanted, with her side losing 1-0 and Bott saying the night was bittersweet.
“The loss is pretty devastating to me, but at the same time it was such a proud moment walking out in front of my home stadium,” Bott said.
During the game there were several boisterous chants focussed solely on Bott, who was an obvious fan favourite in her hometown.
“I couldn’t hear those chants, I zone out when I am playing but I am sure they were heard all around the stadium.”
“It was so nice to playing in front of my family and friends. My whole family turned up, they were the ones most likely doing the chants!” Bott said.
The crowd was nearly a sell-out, with 32,357 people attending to watch the New Zealand team in action.
For Bott, it was a surreal experience walking out to such a big Wellington crowd.
“Seeing those yellow seats I have grown up seeing so many times was such an incredible moment and one I will never forget.”
Bott was born and bred in Wellington, having played her junior football for Tawa AFC. She later moved onto Waterside Karori, another strong football club in Wellington.
“I played for Tawa in my junior years and it was awesome to see a few kids in Tawa shirts out there today. I wish I could have done a bit more today for them.”
Bott mentioned she wasn’t feeling her best before the game, but she wanted to play in front of her friends and family in her hometown.
“It was a tough one for me, I wasn’t feeling 100%. I wish I could have put on a better performance for my home crowd, family and friends.”
The Leicester City defender still considers Wellington to be her home after having to move across the world to places like Germany, Sweden, Norway and now currently England.
The result didn’t go her team’s way, but Tuesday 25th July will forever be a significant night in the career of CJ Bott.
She got to do what so many dreamed of doing, playing a World Cup at their home.
Feature Image Credit: FIFA
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