Banyana’s Hildah Magaia discusses her overseas form and challenges
Banyana Banyana star striker Hildah Magaia has weighed in on her performances and challenges faced in her first season at South Korean side Sejong Sportstoto.
Magaia joined Sportstoto in March 2022 from Moron BK, where she managed to score 12 goals for the Swedish side.
The ex-Tshwane University of Technology (TUT Ladies) captain began her life in the WK League, the top division of women’s football in South Korea, like a house on fire.
Magaia has scored two goals for her team in just three appearances. Overall she has netted five goals across all competitions.
The speedy forward is currently back in the country as she is on a break for the festive season.
HILDAH MAGAIA ON HER PERFORMANCE…
“It wasn’t really a good start for me as I only managed to score five goals this season. So, I was going in and out due to injuries,” Magaia said during the Limpopo Sports Awards on Sunday at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane.
“The other thing that derailed my progress was lots of camps so that also played a role in that because when I get back to the team I’m tired so they can’t play as I had to rest first before I can play.”
THE CHALLENGES…
Magaia also revealed some of the challenges she has faced since her arrival in South Korea, citing the language barrier as one of the biggest issue.
“The only thing that I’m struggling with now it’s the language because they can’t speak English,” she added.
“And the other thing that I’m struggling with is the food, they are not nice. But in terms of the environment, everything is going well so far.
“Overall, there are nice people and I’m really enjoying myself out there. I feel like I’m home away from home.”
The 27-year-old frontwoman made headlines when she banged a brace that earned Banyana their first-ever Africa Women’s Cup of Nations [WAFCON] title in August this year as they defeated the hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final.
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