Hilda Thokakele Magaia, 29, now resides in Mexico, where she plays for the professional women’s team Mazatlan Feminil Football Club. She says it’s lonely being so far from home, and she misses her friends and family, but as a deeply religious person she reminds herself that this is the path God chose for her — and it’s helping to support her mother.
She’s had several mentors on her way to becoming a pro football player, a job she describes as “refreshing to the mind, body and soul”. Among her heroes are Banyana Banyana stars Portia Modise and Refiloe Jane, and sports administrator and coach Christa Kgampe. She’s also inspired by her teammates, who continually push her to do and give of her best — and perhaps, she says, because she can also be an inspiration for a youngster somewhere.
She looks back with pride at being part of the team that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2022, and for making it into the qualifying round of Women’s Fifa World Cup for the first time. Football is growing fast in developmental areas, and so is women’s football, both of which Hilda says makes her feel inspired.
Winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in 2022, and being part of the team that led South Africa to its first ever round of 16 advancement in the Women’s Fifa World Cup.
Growing up, I looked up to Banyana Banyana star Portia Modise — I wanted to walk the journey she walked, up until she retired. Now, my role model is captain of the South African women’s soccer team Refiloe Jane. I’ve really learned a lot from her, and am still learning from her, both on and off the field.
My mentor is none other than sports administrator Christa Kgampe. Since I started my studies she’s been holding my hand and has never let me go, even to this day.