FARPost has established why Banyana Banyana star Thalea Smidt is not back at Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies following her loan move to AmaTuks Ladies last season.
In April 2023, the talented midfielder Smidt rejoined The University of Pretoria [AmaTuks] on loan a deal from the Hollywoodbets Super League defending champions, Sundowns.
Smidt, who is the former AmaTuks captain, previously studied and played for Tuks before signing for the red-hot Brazilians in 2021.
WHY THALEA SMIDT MOVED TO TUKS FROM MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LADIES ON LOAN
In search of regular playing time, Smidt joined Sundowns’ rivals, Tuks, with the aim of boosting her chances of selection for the Banyana Banyana squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ultimately, she was not chosen for the final team.
The gifted midfielder is also not included in Banyana’s preliminary squad to face Nigeria in the fourth round of the Olympic qualifiers next month – between 1-9 April 2024.
With the 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League having roared to life, one name repeatedly popped up on social media: Thalea Smidt. Many football fanatics kept asking, “Where is Thalea?”.
WHY THALEA SMIDT IS NOT BACK WITH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
This publication reached out to AmaTuks and Sundowns to find out what went down between them and the player.
AmaTuks confirmed to this website that the player is not registered with them. Therefore, she is not part of the team. Meanwhile, Sundowns confirmed that Smidt’s contract with the club ended last year in June and was not renewed.
As things stand, the player is currently a free agent and can join any team of her choice.
The midfield maestro was part of Desiree Ellis’ Banyana squad that won the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON] in Morocco. She also won the CAF Champions League with Sundowns, and with such experience, many teams in the Super League would benefit from her.
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