Former Monterrey and Barcelona goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar has been appointed as the new goalkeeper coach for Norwegian club Kolbotn IL, stepping into a coaching role after a distinguished professional playing career. According to club announcements and regional sports reporting, the 41-year-old Mexican coach joins the Toppserien club’s technical staff following a three-year stint anchoring Rayadas de Monterrey, where she secured back-to-back Liga MX Femenil titles in 2024.
Kolbotn sporting director Toni Ordinas stated that Tajonar’s extensive top-tier background as both an international player and an academy-trained professional made her an ideal fit for the technical staff. Tajonar steps into the role previously held by Oliver Stronach-Nathan, who departed Kolbotn after four seasons to join Stabæk Fotball, as reported by regional media outlets.
A Proven Track Record in Europe and Mexico
Tajonar’s transition to the European coaching ranks brings full circle a playing career that spanned elite leagues across the continent and North America. Before joining Monterrey in July 2023, the veteran goalkeeper built an extensive European resume that included stints with Málaga, Levante, Sevilla, Barcelona, Logroño, Villarreal, and Celtic, according to records. During her time with Barcelona, she captured the Primera División title and the Supercopa de España Femenina, alongside reaching the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Her impact remained immediate upon returning to Mexican club football with Rayadas. Over three seasons, Tajonar made 84 appearances across multiple competitions. She delivered match-winning performances during the Clausura 2024 and Apertura 2024 championship runs. In the Clausura 2024 final, she stopped two penalties in the shootout, and she followed that up with three decisive saves from the spot in the Apertura 2024 final.
Stepping into the Technical Area at Kolbotn IL
At Kolbotn, Tajonar will oversee the development and daily preparation of the club’s goalkeeping corps. Ordinas emphasized that the club’s strategy centers on recruiting former elite players equipped with high-level international academy experience to guide its squads.
“Pamela represents this in a perfect manner,” Ordinas noted regarding the appointment, highlighting her decades of top-flight competition and international experience with the Mexico women’s national team—including appearances at the 2003 Santo Domingo Pan American Games and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Kolbotn will look to integrate Tajonar’s tactical insight as the club positions itself within Norway’s competitive women’s football landscape.
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