In London’s crowded women’s game, Rosa Kafaji is trying to turn a difficult English chapter into a more settled one. The 23-year-old Swedish forward, once regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects in her homeland, says her move to London City Lionesses has brought both competition and a renewed sense of progress.
Kafaji left BK Häcken for Arsenal two summers ago, following a route that had looked like a dream move to the Women’s Super League. It did not develop as she had hoped. After limited progress with Arsenal, she spent time on loan at Brighton before joining London City Lionesses in June.
She has reflected on the timing of her arrival in north London, which coincided with Jonas Eidevall’s departure from Arsenal. “It was unfortunate that Jonas Eidevall left Arsenal just as I arrived,” Kafaji said. “Things became difficult after that.” Renée Slegers subsequently took charge of the side.
A demanding London education
Kafaji accepts that she arrived in England without the experience needed to immediately impose herself in an elite squad. She said she understood why other players were selected, describing them as high-quality footballers, but found the pressure to repeatedly establish her worth restrictive.
“I was young and inexperienced,” she said. “I understand why the coach chose the others, because they were very good players. But I felt I always had to prove myself. I do not play well when I have to prove everything all the time; it becomes too forced.”
At London City, the contest for attacking places remains intense, but the Sweden international feels more comfortable with her situation. Her route from Gothenburg to Arsenal, Brighton and now another London club has not followed the quick rise many expected, yet she believes the move has still moved her forward.
“Perhaps things in England have not gone exactly as I wanted,” Kafaji said. “But I feel I have developed and taken important steps, and that is what matters most. I am enjoying it very much and feel it was a good decision to come here. You have to take the opportunity, whether you start or are on the bench.”
