While the focus of attention has been on the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana celebrating their maiden TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-1 win over hosts Morocco last weekend, another South African international made headlines.
Midfielder, Leandra Smeda quietly signed a one-year contract for Spanish second division side Dux Logrono, with the club making the announcement a day after her 33rd birthday (22 July 2022).
The Capetonian, with 100 caps and 22 goals for her country, was recently on the books of Hollywoodbets Super League side the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Chomi, as she is commonly referred to by her peers, is returning to Europe for her fourth stint after previously playing for Famalicao (Portugal), Vittsjo (Sweden) and Gintra Universitetas (Lithuania) – a side the Banyana Banyana duo of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nothando Vilakazi once ran out for.
It was also at the latter club in 2018 that Smeda made history by becoming the first South African woman footballer to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
She followed that with a third-place finish for Vittsjo in 2019, their first ever medal in the Damallsvenskan.
In her on-going illustrious career, she has represented her country in several top level international competitions, including the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, as well as the pinnacle of every footballer’s dream, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in 2019, which was South Africa’s maiden appearance at the event.
Smeda was also part of the squad that lost the 2018 WAFCON in Ghana – but was not called up for the 2022 edition in Morocco.
With Banyana Banyana qualifying for their second FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Capetonian will be hoping the move to Spain resuscitates her international career and be part of the festivities in Australia and New Zealand next year.
She earned her 100th cap in the friendly against Japan in Fukuoka in November 2019 – joining Janine van Wyk, Noko Matlou, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Nothando Vilakazi, Refiloe Jane, Mamello Makhabane and the retired duo of Amanda Dlamini and Portia Modise.
By Matlhomola Morake
