The Wellington Phoenix have used their final visa spot to further bolster the women’s backline for the remainder of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League.
The Phoenix have signed experienced defender Imane Chebel on a one-year deal.
Chebel, 29, arrived in Wellington on Saturday after representing Algeria in two internationals against Nigeria and is hoping to make her A-League debut in the Nix’s home opener against Canberra United this Sunday.
She hails from Canada, where she played football at Concordia University before spells in the top divisions in Kazakhstan, France, Norway and most recently Brazil, where she played for the famed Flamengo club in Rio.
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple “looked at 50 plus centre backs” before coming across the left-footed Chebel.
“I was getting very picky,” Temple said. “I was pretty convinced I needed a centre back that was really balanced on that left-hand side, and somebody that could play out from the back and play our style.
“With Imane not only are we getting the player that fits our style on the pitch, but we’re getting a really experienced and mature person off of it as well.”
And Temple is delighted with the depth he now has in the heart of defence.
“Imane is another really high quality centre back, adding to the ones that we’ve already got.
“We’ve got Mackenzie Barry, Rebecca Lake and Tiana Jaber who are the centre backs in the squad that have proven themselves at this level, and we’ve got Ella McMillan coming through as an up and coming defender.
“No matter what the combination is of those five we’re pretty confident we’ll put out a strong backline, and there’ll be competition for places which is always good when you’re trying to push the team into playoff contention.”
Imane Chebel is looking forward to playing football on her sixth continent, having already played in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
“I’d never been to this part of the world so I thought it would be a great experience and a great challenge to try something completely different,” Chebel said.
“When I spoke to Paul, I really liked his ideas and I liked how he sees the game. I really related to him.
“And I think the A-League is a growing league and I’ve heard a lot about it over the last few months, how it’s getting better and better.”
Chebel believes she can bring a lot to the Nix.
“I like to be on the ball and play out from the back.
“I guess I’m a smart player and I’m experienced so hopefully I can bring that and every little thing I’ve picked up in different countries to the Phoenix.”
And even though she is still getting to know her new teammates she’s putting her hand up to make her club and A-League debut this weekend.
“Honestly, I’m feeling good. I’m so motivated by this new challenge that I feel ready.
“I wouldn’t have said yes to joining the Phoenix if I didn’t feel like I was ready to take on this new challenge.
“My time with the national team kind of gave me an extra boost and now I feel more ready.”
Imane Chebel will wear the no. 5 shirt for Wellington Phoenix and is the 21st player confirmed in the women’s squad for the 2024-25 season.
