Cape Town-born star Rebecca Joy Adams is living her dream in Brazil, where she turns out for Sao Bernado but is yet to fulfil one of he childhood fantasies.
Affectionately known as Becca within football circles, the 22-year-old is the first South African female footballer to sign for a Brazilian professional team.
Adams grew up in Elsie’s Rivier, Western Cape, with her mother, father, and two siblings.
Football is like a region to Adams, as she started playing the beautiful game with her male cousins in her neighbourhood at the age of six before joining a boys’ team in her school in Cape Town.
Despite her young age, she was snapped up by Vasco da Gama, who played in the South African women’s football semi-professional league [Sasol League].
Her debut came when she was only 15 years, and since then, she has never looked back.
Her breakthrough eventually came when she started college football in the United States of America for Northeast Texas community college at the age of 19.
Sao Bernado spotted her while turning out for the US College, and she has never taken the opportunity for granted.
She says she always strives to leave everything on the field whenever she pulls on the ‘Berno’ jersey.
“I’ve worked hard to achieve this, and it had to come one way or the other. Thank God I was blessed with the opportunity. It’s something very special to me,” Adams told FARPost.
“The Brazilian league is one of the best leagues. You get to play with the best players in the world.”
Adams, who turns 23 on the 25th of February, revealed that she had adapted well to the Brazilian environment and culture.
She believes speed makes Brazilian football unique compared to the local game.
In fact, Adams further explains that the tempo of Brazilian football is fast and physical, and one doesn’t have much time, and when you do, you have to execute act decisively.
REBECCA ADAMS’ CHILDHOOD DREAM
The rising star revealed that representing Banyana Banyana has been her childhood dream, and she eagerly awaits that moment.
“It would be a childhood dream come true to one day represent South Africa at the national level. I think every player wishes to play in their national team colours,” she divulged.
When asked why she thinks she hasn’t received Banyana Banyana’s call-up, she said: “I don’t know. I’ve made history. I’ve played for the biggest teams back home and won nationals. I think it’s my journey, and it’s special.”
Having spent two seasons at Sao Bernado, the South African striker has already attracted interest from bigger clubs in Brazil.
It won’t be a surprise to see Adams completing a move to one of the Brazilian giants when the 2023 season commences.