Banyana Banyana forward Hilda Magaia has left Mexican side Mazatlán FC Femenino and on Wednesday (21 August 2024) signed for KC Current in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the USA.
She becomes the second South African to make a move – following hot on the heels of defender Noko Matlou who was earlier announced to have joined CP Cacereño Femenino in Spain’s second division.
Magaia, a former Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Ladies player, is on loan until the end of the season, but the Americans can purchase her on a permanent basis at the end of the loan deal.
The 29-year-old wasted no time upon arrival in the land of the Stars and Stripes, and attended her first training with her new employers on Wednesday.
Magaia started signed her first professional contract with Morön BK in Sweden before making a switch to Sejong Sportstoto in South Korea in 2022.
She then changed continents and joined Liga MX Femenil outfit, Mazatlán FC in Mexico in January this year, where her exploits attracted the attention of the Americans.
Magaia is in the same team as prolific Malawian striker Temwa Chamwinga – the same club recently defeated Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies 3-1 en route to winning the 2024 edition of the Women’s Cup in Missouri last week.
In between her overseas exploits, the South African led her country to their maiden continental title in the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. She was also part of the squad that rewrote the history books – leading Banyana Banyana to qualify for the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – the first South African national team to achieve that feat.
After winning the Women’s Cup, Kansas City Current returns to league action on Saturday, 25 with Washington Spirit lying in wait.
By Matlhomola Morake
