The Wellington Phoenix have signed another experienced international for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League.
Football Fern CJ Bott has returned home to join the Phoenix on a two-year deal after four seasons with Leicester City in the Women’s Super League.
Bott, who has 50 caps for the Ferns, joins national teammates Vic Esson, Grace Jale, Mackenzie Barry and Manaia Elliott in the Nix squad.
The club has also recruited Nepal’s all-time leading goal scorer Sabitra Bhandari, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and 44-time Dutch international Tessel Middag, as well as re-signing Lebanon defender Tiana Jaber.
Bott is Bev Priestman’s first signing since being appointed Phoenix head coach.
“I’m really, really excited to be able to have secured someone of CJ’s calibre and experience,” Priestman said.
“She has played consistently in the WSL, which is a top league, and has experience playing at Olympic Games and World Cups, and I don’t think you can buy that.
“CJ grew up down the road in Tawa, played for Waterside Karori and she really knows what it means to play for Wellington, and I think that’s critical.
“In terms of her attributes she’s got a big engine, loves defending but also brings some real quality and tempo on the ball including assisting us to get on the scoresheet.
“To be honest I think CJ could play multiple positions and she’ll allow us to be really adaptable in what we do and when we do it.”
CJ Bott has been dreaming about playing for the Nix since the women’s team was established in 2021.
“To be able to come back to Wellington and play professionally for the Phoenix in my hometown is really special,” Bott said.
“I didn’t have that dream when I was a kid. We didn’t have a women’s team to aspire to.
“So I feel very grateful to be given this opportunity now and I’m proud to be part of the club.
“It’s clear to see the investment in the women’s team. There are some great players joining the Phoenix and with the backing of Bev it’s a really exciting time.”
Bott says the offer from the Phoenix came at the right time for her and her family.
“I had a few options after leaving Leicester and I looked around a little bit, but after being home for the past two months I didn’t really want to leave.
“It’s nice for me and my partner to be able to establish some roots and be closer to family and friends.
“It’s also great to know what I’m doing for the next couple of years leading into the next World Cup.”
And she’s looking forward to showing Phoenix fans what she’s capable of.
“I love getting forward, but equally I love defending. That’s my pride and joy.
“I think you’ll see someone out there who will fight for the badge day-in, day-out with a lot of passion.
“I’m incredibly proud to play for the club. It’s my hometown so I think you’ll see someone who has a lot of pride for what she’s doing out there.”
CJ Bott will join the Wellington Phoenix for the start of pre-season early next month, with the 2025-26 Ninja A-League to start from October 31.
