Cardiff City snap up Seren Watkins and Zara Pernalete from league rivals
Abergavenny goalkeeper Zara Mujica in action Cyncoed v Abergavenny at USW Sports Park in the Welsh Premier Women's League on the 23rd March 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
Cardiff City Women have today announced the signings of Seren Watkins and Zara Mujica Pernalete
Both players make the move having played in the Welsh Premier Women’s League for the past season. Highly-rated goalkeeper Zara Mujica Pernalete joins from Abergavenny Town and central midfielder Seren Watkins moves on from Pontypridd Town.
Both appeared in Cardiff’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Keynsham Town as the Bluebirds begin their preparations for the 2021/22 season.
Mujica won plaudits with her performances for Abergavenny last season. She helped Abergavenny to a fourth-place finish in the league.
She saved a penalty to keep a clean sheet in the final game against champions Swansea City to help The Pennies to a 0-0 draw. A strong shot-stopper she made 13 appearances in what was her debut season in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.
Amongst her peers, she was voted as the Players Young Player of the Season after a successful first season at Pen-y-Pound Stadium.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be a Cardiff City player,” said Pernalete after linking up with last season’s third-placed side.
“I’m strong on the ball, and I feel my attributes match the style of play here.
“I’m looking to develop as a player and an athlete, and I feel this is the right place for me at this stage of my career. I hope I can help the team as much as possible and we can look forward to a strong season ahead.”
Cardiff were on the lookout for a new goalkeeper after first-choice Charlotte Hastings moved back to Abergavenny. The Pennies have also re-signed Maxine Mude as well as retaining the services of Abi Powell, Elena Scrivens, Lauren Boyd, Lauren Daniels, Naomi Cook, Olivia Barnes, Sian Bull, and Zoe Russell.
Joining Pernalete at Ocean Park Arena is Seren Watkins, a player who knows the league well after playing for Pontypridd Town, formerly known as Cyncoed Ladies.
Watkins was recently called up to the Wales Under-19 training camp, amongst a number of other young players from the domestic leagues.
The 17-year-old made 14 appearances for Pontypridd Town Ladies last season and scored netted once in the Dragons’ 2-1 victory over Aberystwyth Town.
Cardiff already boast a number of young talented players in breakout player Phoebie Poole and Ellie Jones and Mikayla Cook and will add to the creative midfield options for manager Iain Darbyshire.
Speaking about her move to the Bluebirds Seren said: “It’s such a big club, and I knew it would be the right move for me.
“I’m an energetic midfielder and want to bring a bit of extra creative spark to the side. It is going to be a challenge to cement my place in this talented team, but I’m here to work hard and give it my all. I’m really excited to be at Cardiff City.”
