Page 14 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.5 2021-22

An interview with…..

Anthea Kaptein (Exeter City)

It has been a good week for Exeter City, who have moved
themselves in amongst the leading teams in FAWNL Division
One South West following two victories in four days, against
Buckland Athletic and Larkhall Athletic.
Midfielder Anthea Kaptein scored one of the goals in
the win over Larkhall and told us that the two results have
given the team a huge boost and they have serious ambitions
to challenge for the title this season:
WSS: it's been a great few days for the team with
two big wins, how much has that done for the
team's confidence going forward?
AK: It's done absolute wonders for us as a team. After a few
tough games and not the points we initially would have
hoped, we as a team are growing in confidence with each
game that we play. Week by week we become more
established, we connect better as a team and we believe that
we can be successful in this league.
WSS: How pleasing was the performance against
Buckland last Wednesday?
AK: The game vs Buckland was particularly enjoyable, goal difference could define the way
the season ends so to get a decent result was important.
WSS: You then took that form into the game with Larkhall a few days later, with
most of the damage done in the first half. Do you feel that the team is getting near
to its best now?
AK: Our team is going from strength to strength, I don't even think we've hit our peak yet! We
have a good balance of experience and young players this season, which really brings a great
combination of wise minds and youthful energy.
WSS: Connie Pengelly followed up a hat-trick against Buckland with another on
Sunday, having been a substitute both times, is that an indication of the strength
in depth in your squad right now?
AK: 100%, for someone as impactful as Connie to be on the bench just shows that we have a
lot of talented players in the squad. This allows the management team to rest certain players,
give opportunities to younger/newer players and also highlights the versatility within our
squad.
WSS: Tthis week you travel to newly promoted Portishead who have started the
season well, are they a team you have come across in the past and know much
about?
AK: I know Portishead are a very physical team and they've had a great start to this season,
however I have every faith that we will get a result on Sunday.
WSS: You were doing well in both of the abandoned seasons, so do you feel that
the team is ready to be serious title contenders this time around?
AK: I believe the team are definitely title contenders. We have the depth in the squad, the
mental attitude and the passion to be successful, collectively we have to remain focused and
take each game as it comes.
WSS: You have had a very young squad at Exeter in the last few years but do you
think the summer arrivals give you a stronger looking squad overall?
AK: The youth is the future of Exeter City, they are vital parts of the squad and bring tenacity
and drive to the table. However it's all about the balance between the young and experienced,
Issue no. 5 - 30 September 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk