Hildah Magaia realised her dreams of playing in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States this past season, writes Nick Said.

Hildah Magaia may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Banyana Banyana players, but there is no doubt the striker has written her name into the history books and has been one of the most influential players for the side in recent years.

It was Magaia’s brace of goals in the final that took South Africa to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco that saw them claim the continental trophy for the first time after so many near misses in the past.

That was part of a meteoric rise that has seen her play in Sweden and South Korea in the last few years, honing her craft with a glut of goals.

She has previously played for the University of Pretoria and the Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa and was voted best player at the COSAFA Women’s Championship.

She has delivered on the biggest stage too, scoring against Sweden and Italy at the 2023 Women’s World Cup to help Banyana to a historic place in the round of 16.

Those performances earned her a move to Mexican side Mazatlán at the start of 2024, and then later a loan spell at top National Women’s Soccer League side Kansas City Current, the pinnacle of her club career.

She will have to wait to hear if that loan is to be made permanent, but her national team coach Desiree Ellis is delighted she has had a shot at the big leagues.

“Hildah has gone to Sweden and played in the second division, she’s gone to South Korea and went to Mexico.”

“Most of the time she’s played for below mid-table teams and now she’s gone to one of the top teams,” Ellis said.

“We are always speaking about our players playing for better teams in the bigger leagues but someone has to start somewhere and I am glad that she’s got this opportunity. Hopefully, she gets more opportunities there and shows what she’s worth.”

Magaia herself says it is a dream come true and the fruits of some hard labour over the years. “This is a big league – one of the best, if not the best in the world,” she told SABC Sport.

“I really enjoyed my time in Mexico, more so because I got to spend time with someone I know (national teammate Sinoxolo Cesane). The only challenge was when the results were not going our way, but we grew a lot from all those experiences.

“And gratitude should go to all the teams that have helped shape my career. The clubs I have played for have really paved the way for me.

“I have been granted what I have been praying for on my football journey,” she added. “This is one of the dreams I’ve had since I started playing pro-football.”