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‘I had to provide bread for the nation’: Hildah ‘Breadwinner’ Magaia 

Hildah Magaia has reacted to Banyana Banyana’s historic win against Italy, insisting that she had to live up to her nickname: the ‘Breadwinner’ as the attacker provided ‘bread for the nation’ on Wednesday.

The frontwoman played a vital role as Banyana booked a place in the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.

Desiree Ellis‘ charges defeated Italy 3-2 at Wellington Regional Stadium. This was the first time South Africa won a game in the prestigious tournament.

Magaia, who is popularly known as the ‘Breadwinner’ within the football circles, was on the scoresheet when Banyana secured the much-needed win against the European nation. She scored the second goal for South Africa in the 67th minute of their showdown. 

Following her stellar display on the day, Magaia walked away with the Player of the Match accolade.

The Sejong Sportstoto forward is one player who always comes to the party for her nation whenever she is needed the most.

To put a cherry on top, the Limpopo-born footballer has proven that she isn’t just a Banyana star player, but she is a cracking package, workhorse, and ever-reliable finisher.

Banyana Banyana players in celebratory mood.
Banyana Banyana

HILDAH MAGAIA REACTS TO HER PERFORMANCE 

“All I can say is all God’s glory for me. Firstly, I want to thank God for everything he has done for me,” said Magaia in a post-match interview. 

“And also, thanks to the coaches for the opportunity they have given me and the trust they have in me.

“I mean, they call me the ‘Breadwinner’, so without the ‘Breadwinner’, there’s no bread. So, I had to provide the bread for the nation.” 

WHAT THE HISTORIC WIN MEANS TO HILDAH MAGAIA 

The 28-year-old went on to reveal what the historic win meant to her after working so hard in the field of play. 

“The history we made really means a lot more especially knowing that we were so close to going home,” she added. 

“It is an emotional one. But personally, I could say since this is my first World Cup is really an emotional one. I don’t want to lie, and it’s all God’s glory for me.”

South Africa finished in position two in Group G with four points from three outings. 

RELATED STORY: When ’96 icon Mark Williams met Banyana’s heroine Hilda Magaia

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