Oukriss on ‘learning from experience’ as Women’s Under-19s get set for Capital Cup tie

Another huge challenge awaits our Women’s Under-19s this weekend against Dulwich Hamlet, but midfielder Rania Oukriss is her usual self - not fazed by the task at hand and more relishing the chance to shine on a senior stage.

Battling through injury in the first half of the season, Rania is now certainly stamping her mark on Sabiha Jamal’s side in her second year as an Under-19 player, registering seven goal contributions (one goal and six assists) in 14 appearances across all competitions.

One of the more senior players in our group in recent weeks, which has featured a number of Under-16s stepping up, the exciting midfielder is now tasked to lead our young squad to go toe-to-toe with senior opposition this weekend - facing Dulwich in the first round of the Capital Cup on Sunday (kick-off 2pm at Champion Hill).

It’s a familiar opponent for our youngsters, where we put in a spirited performance against Dulwich in the semi-final stage last season but fell narrowly short, and while Rania wasn’t involved in the matchday squad for that fixture, she is now relishing the opportunity to face them this weekend.

“I expect it to be a tough game,” she told us, looking ahead to the cup clash. “Of course, we played them last season, I wasn't there but we narrowly lost, and I just expect the team to have maybe learnt from that experience, bring a bit more fire, having known we've lost to them before. I expect the team to come with the belief that we can win it this time.

“From the feedback by the girls, they said it was quite tough, they said as well as it's a physical battle, the crowd also brings a mental battle, but I think it's something I can thrive off. It's just a thing where you have to hyperfocus on your goal, which is just to go there and win.

“They're very much more about asserting their dominance in a game through strength, physicality and senior opposition games are important to me because facing that helps you then unlock something as a player that we maybe haven’t had the chance to unlock yet.”

Having taken on captaincy duties for our Under-19s in recent weeks, Rania reflected on the importance of not dwelling on any injury setbacks earlier this season and how much she has learned leading the side.

“It's quite key to just not let any injuries set you back really, to make sure that the second you do come back, to pick up where you left off and if not, go further than that. I think being able to be captain just shows a bit more maturity from me, maybe a bit more values of leadership. I really enjoy it, it's quite fun, being able to help the team out, and I'm pretty sure they appreciate it.

“It's just really important to be consistent, to have a good game but make sure it's every game, and that's what I've been trying to do. I'm glad that the work is being recognised.”