Thalea Smidt speaks for the first time after World Cup snub 

Banyana Banyana midfielder Thalea Smidt has spoken publicly for the first time since finding out Desiree Ellis had not selected her for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Tuks’ talented player was not part of coach Desiree Ellis’ final 23-member squad to represent South Africa at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The much-awaited prestigious tournament is set to be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 until August 20. 

After Ellis’ World Cup squad announcement, one name that repeatedly popped up on social media platforms was Thalea Smidt. Fans kept asking, “Where is Thalea?”. The supporters argued that the gifted midfield maestro would bring experience to Banyana’s midfield options. 

Smidt was a key member of Ellis’ WAFCON winning squad in 2022. She helped Banyana to be crowned the African champions for the first time ever.  

Ellis had initially named 36 players in her provisional squad three weeks ago, and she trimmed it to 23 for the World Cup tournament. 

And Smidt was part of the 10 players who didn’t make it to the Banyana final squad for the World Cup.

THALEA SMIDT ON HER BANYANA BANYANA SNUB 

The 25-year-old footballer made it clear that she doesn’t see her snub from the World Cup squad as “rejection” and she’s still open to Banyana’s call-up, and she will never decline it.

“I handle No’s now as God’s way of guiding me,” wrote Smidt on her official Twitter account. 

“I don’t see it as rejection, I see it as that is not meant for Me. What is for me will not pass me by, and if it passes me by it is not for me. 

“I know sometimes God laughs when we make plans. JER29:11. Much Love.”

Now, Smidt will shift her focus on bouncing back stronger and reclaim her place in the Banyana set-up.

South Africa are in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina at the FIFA World Cup.  

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