Although party celebrations and social occasions are of course put on hold at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City shot-stopper has found song to provide a welcome distraction.
While the day will be spent in isolation for the French goalkeeper, Benameur says music has allowed her to relax during this testing period, revealing she is a big fan of karaoke!
“Having fun for me is karaoke!” she declared. “You put on music and sing along with the lyrics!
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“Alone or with your friends, I love it. With a little choreography, it’s 100% fun!
“I like music a lot. I listen to music very often in a day. I also have a software that allows me to create some sounds.
“During my free time, when I have no training session, I like to take time for myself.
“I take care of my body and my mind. I like to walk and to do some stretching to connect my mind to my body.
“It puts me in a very positive state of mind to start the day.”
Reflecting on her first six months in Manchester, Benameur says she has thoroughly enjoyed her experience of the FA Women’s Super League and a new culture, having only plied her trade in France previously.
The ‘keeper has featured in both cup competitions as well as City’s last league game against Chelsea – the thrilling 3-3 draw, which left the title race on a knife edge and Benameur proud to be involved.
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“The game that has impressed me the most this year was the home game against Chelsea,” Karima recalled.
“There was a lot of pressure for the standings. It was a highly anticipated match with a lot of people and a lot of goals! It was huge.
“Even though I was on the bench, there was a lot of suspense.
“We scored the first goal and then they equalised. We regained the lead, and they came back to 2-2... Then there was a missed penalty, then Chelsea scored to make it 3-2 and we equalised at the very end. It was a crazy game!
“I came on at the end after our goalkeeper (Ellie Roebuck) got injured. We were waiting for a better chance to take the lead but in terms of emotion and suspense, it was unbelievable.
“A women’s football match like that was great.”
Joining the Club in September just days prior to the historic first professional women’s Manchester Derby, Benameur’s first week at the Club could not have been more exciting – and the clash certainly lived up to expectations.
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“When I arrived at City, we played the derby against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium,” she added.
“There were a lot of people there. It was nice and sunny and then Caroline Weir picked up the ball and hit a shot from over 30 metres into the top corner of the net! It was magical.
“It was my first match with City in a big stadium, a Derby... And Caroline’s goal was just magnificent and gave us the victory!”
Happy birthday, Karima!
