Bayana's Hilda Magaia on injury recovery and WAFCON preparations

Photo Credit - Banyana Banyana (SAFA).

Banyana Banyana striker Hilda Magaia has confirmed she is steadily recovering from injury and hopes to be fully fit when the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations resumes in July.

Magaia did not feature as Banyana faced Botswana and Zambia in the recent Three-Nations Series held in South Africa. The South African women’s national team emerged victorious, defeating the Copper Queens 2-0 in the final game at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

“The recovery is going well so far. I’ve had a few tests, and there’s been significant improvement since I arrived in South Africa. So, it is promising, and I hope that I will be 100 per cent fit by the time WAFCON kicks off. I know it is going to be a long process, but I am hoping that I will be okay by that time,’’ said Magaia, as quoted by SABC Sports.

Looking ahead to the WAFCON, Magaia, who shared the Golden Boot with Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade at the previous tournament, explained: “It always takes teamwork to make sure that you pull off a performance like that. It is something I look forward to. And I think we understand what is expected of us, and I believe we are all capable with this squad.

“We are well aware that most of the big teams will be looking to prove a point against us. It will not be easy for us, but we know that it’s all about hard work and putting our best foot forward.”

Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.