7 August 2019 – It is every player’s dream to play for his or her country at the World Cup.

And when Banyana Banyana qualified for their maiden tournament, Hildah Magaia thought her dream would come true.

She had made her debut in June last year, where she scored in her first appearance.

But when missed the cut on the final squad, she thought it was all over for her. Instead of giving up, she continued to put up good performances for her club, TUT-PTA in the Sasol League.

Her efforts were rewarded with a recall into the national team for the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

She has now scored two goals in the tournament, and is hopeful of helping the team lift their third title in a row.

Here is what Magaia had to say: