Banyana Banyana forward Hilda Magaia, has joined Spanish side Real Club Deportivo de La Coruna Femenino (also known as Deportivo Abanca) in the Primera Division de la Liga de Futbol Femenino (Liga F) after leaving Club Tijuan in Mexico.
Liga F is the highest level of league competition for women’s football in Spain and is the women’s equivalent of the men’s La Liga.
One of Banyana Banyana’s most loved stars, Magaia is expected to join her new employers in the next few days once the paperwork has been concluded.
The Dennilton-born players becomes the third South African currently plying her trade in Spain, joining youngster Ayesha Moosa who made a move to CD Argual Femenina in the Segunda Federación Femenina (the third tier of women’s football) as well as former Banyana Banyana defender, Noko Matlou who is registered with CP Cacereño Femenino in the Segunda Federación (second tier).
Magaia has been on the books of Mazatlán FC in Spain, Moron BK in Sweden, Sportstoto WFC in South Korea, Kansas City in the USA and has also featured in South Africa for two universities – Tuks and TUT, both in Tshwane.
Her last appearance in the colours of Club Tijuan was in October last year in the 2-1 victory over Puebla where she played 90 minutes – but missed six matches since then. Former University of the Western Cape (UWC) captain and midfielder, remains at the Mexican side.
Deportivo Abanca is currently sitting in 12th position after 17 rounds of fixtures. They have amassed 17 points from four wins, five draws and eight losses.
They next face the hard-running and second-placed Real Madrid
on Sunday (1 February 2026).
Magaia’s new team has already played three games this year and registered indifferent results – a draw, a loss and a win.
Last year they finished 14th with 27 points after six victories, nine stalemates and 15 defeats in 30 games.
Magaia is expected to play a crucial role for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana at the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) in Morocco starting in March – the top four countries at the tournament will
qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
At the 16-nation competition, South Africa has been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
By Matlhomola Morake
