Marina Makanza surprised the world of women's soccer when she announced on Twitter yesterday that she has left 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, after just half a year, with immediate effect.
An sour end to her short time at the club
The 24-year-old forward, who joined Turbine in June last year, pointed out that threats and pressure by club officials have led to the decision to terminate her contract with the Frauen-Bundesliga giants. The French attacker is now officially a free agent and currently looking for a new club.
Makanza has played in the Bundesliga before; the forward competed for SC Freiburg from 2010 until 2013 before she moved back to France to join Montpellier HSC. She also represented her country 15 times.
When Potsdam signed her last year, the club stated that they have "high expectations" and that the forward "fits perfectly into their [Turbine Potsdam] system." It's unfortunate to see how Makanza's second time in Germany has come to such a prompt end.
The former French international, who was mostly used in a cameo role as a substitute, has played 11 games (413 minutes in total) for Potsdam this season. Makanza also managed to get on the scoresheet four times.
Her most important game was probably against VfL Wolfsburg back in December 2015 where Bernd Schröder's team beat the treble winners of 2013 5-2 at the AOK Stadion. The French forward scored one goal and also managed to assist another.
Turbine Potsdam issues statement
The six-time Frauen-Bundesliga champion issued a statement yesterday and claim that Makanza has infringed against some stipulation. According to Handelsblatt.com, the talented 24-year-old didn't arrive at the training camp in time and sent in her sick report far too late.
The German club offered Makanza to continue playing with the second team and to regain some fitness but, after analysing the situation with her agent, the forward declined. As quoted on the club's official homepage, the contract was terminated by mutual consent.