Hildah Magaia credits Portia Modise for football career

In only her World Cup debut in the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, ‘The Breadwinner” had an unforgettable tournament with two goals and an assist.  Magaia shared with SABC Sport how her formative years birthed her love for the game.

“At the early age of five, in the backyard at home with my brother and father, my father used to buy us football each and every time he came home at month-end. That's where the love for football grew [but] I can say I never imagined myself playing on that big stage, especially the World Cup and also playing abroad", she said. 

"What I imagined was playing for the national team because I grew up following Portia Modise. So, my dream was to go to the national team and wear jersey number 12 [like Modise] and just play football", recalled Magaia

The South Korean-based striker, with Sejong Sportstoto, scored South Africa’s only goal in the 2-1 loss to Sweden in their opening match of the tournament. She reflects on that defining moment that had coaches and fans alike in dire panic. 

"I didn't know what to do with myself, but because I got injured at that moment, I couldn't really celebrate the goal. But it was really amazing, it had a lot of emotions even though I was in pain." 

The striker had to be substituted immediately after giving Banyana the lead but recovered in time to score another goal and assist against Italy in their final group match. 

Magaia, who earned the nickname "Breadwinner" when playing for Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for her propensity to find the goal even in impossible scenarios, attributes her success to Varsity Football.

"When I started my year in 2017 at TUT, that's where my things started to bloom."