Hildah Magaia Ready to Lead Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON Title Defence

When South Africa lifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy for the first time in 2022, Hildah Magaia etched her name into African football history.

Three years later, the Banyana Banyana striker returns to Morocco with a familiar mission—help South Africa defend their continental crown.

The 31-year-old forward, affectionately known as “The Breadwinner,” is once again expected to spearhead Banyana’s attack as Desiree Ellis’ side begins its WAFCON title defence against Tanzania. The tournament runs until 16 August, with South Africa determined to prove that their success in 2022 was no one-off.

A Player for the Biggest Occasions

Few players have produced as many defining moments for Banyana Banyana as Magaia.

She was the hero of the 2022 WAFCON final, scoring both goals in South Africa’s memorable 2-1 victory over hosts Morocco to secure the country’s first-ever continental title.

A year later, she again rose to the occasion on the global stage, scoring twice during South Africa’s historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, helping Banyana reach the Round of 16 for the first time.

Those performances have made Magaia one of the team’s biggest stars—and with that comes expectation.

Rather than shy away from the pressure, she says she embraces it.

“There’s definitely pressure on my shoulders because I know the nation expects ‘The Breadwinner’ to deliver,” Magaia said.

“I’m not only representing myself. I’m representing every young girl and every South African who believes in Banyana Banyana.”

A Journey Back from Injury

Magaia heads into the tournament after a difficult few months.

The striker recently parted ways with Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruña and has spent much of the past year battling injuries that limited her appearances for the national team.

Despite those setbacks, she is grateful to have earned a place in South Africa’s final squad.

“First of all, I thank God for making this possible,” she said.

“I’ve been in and out of the team because of injuries, so I’m really happy that I managed to overcome those challenges and be selected for WAFCON.”

New Generation Ready to Shine

While experienced players like Magaia, Refiloe Jane and Thembi Kgatlana will be expected to lead the charge, South Africa will also look to an exciting group of young players to inject fresh energy into the squad.

Banyana’s squad includes several players under the age of 23, and Magaia believes the next generation is ready to make its mark on the continental stage.

“The young players are going to help us a lot,” she said.

“They’ve always dreamed of wearing the Banyana jersey and playing at WAFCON. Now they have that opportunity, and I believe they’ll work hard and handle the pressure.”

Defending Champions Ready for the Challenge

South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, with every match expected to test the reigning champions.

Banyana open their campaign against Tanzania in Rabat before taking on two of West Africa’s strongest sides as they chase a place in the knockout stages.

With experienced leaders, exciting young talent and one of Africa’s most clinical big-game forwards leading the attack, South Africa will head into Morocco believing they have everything needed to successfully defend their WAFCON crown.

For Magaia, the mission is simple: deliver once again when her country needs her most.