Barlow helped establish and grow the Premier Soccer League club's marketing footprint from its inception in 2016, with her role as marketing brand manager.  

"We are very excited to have Barlow join us at LaLiga, with her marketing skills, experience and her knowledge of the South African and global football environment," says LaLiga Southern Africa managing director Marcos Pelegrin.

"As the first African woman to graduate from UEFA's Certificate in Football Management Course — and with her track record of work with Cape Town City — we have no doubt she has the necessary skills and expertise," adds Pelegrin. 

Barlow adds, "Joining LaLiga is an amazing opportunity for me. I trust that I can translate my experience at the South African club level to bring the Spanish brand closer to local fans. Also, I'm looking forward to working with so many different partners and colleagues across the African continent." 

According to LaLiga, Cape Town City chairperson John Comitis was fully supportive of Barlow's move to LaLiga and proud of the club's role in her development in the football industry.

Comitis says, "The unexpected byproduct of a nurturing environment is that it often prepares people for even greater challenges. It is in the fabric of Cape Town City's marketing department to target standards beyond the boundaries of the PSL."

"It brings the club great pride that one of its own, Natalie Barlow, will be transcending those very boundaries as she becomes LaLiga's marketing and commercial manager. Barlow has been with club since inception in 2016 and helped build the Cape Town City football fans in South Africa have grown to love," concludes Comitis.

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