Brisbane Roar Women’s leading goal-scorer Tameka Butt has proven herself invaluable both on and off the field, adopting the role of resident joker in the Roar camp according to captain Clare Polkinghorne.
The 19-year-old-s ability to win games on the field with her quick feet is complimented by her quick wit and ability to lighten the mood on the training grounds.
“She-s a little character, she loves to have a bit of a laugh,” Polkinghorne said.
“She gets out and talks to everybody, she-s just one of those people that on and off the field you can get along with.
“She is good to have around.”
Keen to make the most of the opportunities she is given in the Brisbane Roar-s Westfield W-League team, Butt is embracing the role.
“Training is always fun if we can have a bit of a laugh, so I definitely like to tell a few jokes and make everyone laugh,” Butt said.
Jokes aside, Tameka has an on field resume which is nothing to laugh at – competing in the 2008 Asian Cup, part of the winning squad the 2008 ASEAN Women-s Cup and a member of the 2009 Queensland Roar Premiership team.
Most recently, Butt was a part of the Westfield Matildas squad that won this year-s AFC Asian Cup, Australia-s first piece of silverware since joining the Asian Football Confederation.
“Tameka is one of those players who can win a game for you and even if she hasn-t had the best game she can come and do something special,” Polkinghorne said.
“She has had a fantastic season and every week she is looking dangerous, even at training she is looking really sharp.”
Butt has been a vital member of the Roar in their charge to the top of the table this season with five goals to her name in eight starts but Polkinghorne assures fans there is more to come.
“Coming into the semi finals and finals we will see Tameka Butt feature a lot more,” Polkinghorne said.
“She is so important in our team and the fact that she has been scoring goals this year has added to her game immensely.
“If she is firing then we go a long way towards winning the game.”
