Source: Radio New Zealand
Phoenix captain CJ Bott Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
Wellington Phoenix captain CJ Bott will sit out the remainder of the women’s A-League season after announcing her pregnancy.
Bott and her fiancé have announced they’re expecting their first child in July.
“It’s crazy,” she said. “I’m still wrapping my head around it but it’s something that I’ve always dreamed about and it’s really special.
“We’re over the moon and we’re really excited for this next phase of our lives.
“To bring a little baby into the team will be a lot of fun.”
As a result, Bott will sit out the remainder of the A-League. But the experienced Football Fern is contracted to the Phoenix for another season and plans to play on.
“The next phase of my life is going to be a bit nuts. It already is crazy playing football professionally but adding a little one into the mix will be a lot busier.
“But I think it will be fun and a challenge that I’m more than ready to take on.”
And she still hopes to contribute to the team this season.
“I plan to be as involved as much as I can with the team.
“I’m gutted to be missing out and not being able to do my part, but I definitely have a role off the field, so I still feel very involved and I’ll be supporting from the sidelines.”
Bott will remain the women’s club captain while Mackenzie Barry will continue to lead the side in her absence.
The Phoenix sit eighth on the table and play Adelaide in Porirua on Sunday.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
