Galabadaarachchi: Debut feels like a long time coming

Jacynta Galabadaarachchi expressed her pride after debuting for the CommBank Matildas in Bunbury on Saturday afternoon.

The 24-year-old was selected for her first national team camp in 2021, but saw minutes for the first time against Panama - four years later.

“It was amazing – it feels like a long time coming,” she said.

“I've been waiting to make my debut, so I'm really proud. I know it wasn't the result that we wanted, but I just feel really happy and proud that I was able to come on and try and make an impact.”

She recalled the instructions that she received before becoming CommBank Matilda #240.

“[Head Coach Joe Montemurro] just said, go on and enjoy yourself,” she recounted.

“He wanted me to stay inside a little bit to try and receive the ball and make a difference up the top. It was hard to get balls in there because it was really tight, and it was such an aggressive game to come into, and the tempo was really high, and they were quite a technical and aggressive side – but that’s what he wanted.”

This is not the first time that the forward has played under Montemurro. He was the coach who gave her an A-League Women’s debut for Melbourne City as a 15-year-old all the way back in the 2016/17 season.

The former West Ham, Napoli, Celtic and Sporting CP player gave him glowing praise.

“He's an amazing coach, one of the best coaches I've played under,” she said.

While coming into camp was nerve-racking, Galabadaarachchi said she was enjoying the environment.

“The environment in the camp has been really good,” she said.

“In training, it's been high-tempo and possession football, which I really like. That type of football suits me.

“I was obviously a little bit nervous to come in, but the girls are really welcoming. All the staff have been really welcoming. So I've just been enjoying my time.

“It feels really good to be here.”

While the result on Saturday was not what the team wanted, Galabadaarachchi said that there were plenty of positives to take into game two on Tuesday.

“There's been quite a bit rotation in the squad, and I think that's what [Montemurro’s] looking for,” she said.

“He's looking to expand the team and see what else he can bring in.

“Obviously, the result is not what we wanted, but we're all learning. We're all growing under his philosophy. That's what we want.”

Next Game

CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets