Magaia nervous ahead of World Cup debut but ready for Sweden

Banyana Banyana forward Hilda Magaia is nervous ahead of their FIFA World Cup opening Group G match but she is ready to put Sweden to the sword.

The gifted goal poacher, Magaia has also urged her Banyana teammates to be calm and approach the clash with a positive mindset despite feeling nervous before facing Sweden.

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Magaia is expected to be in the starting eleven versus Sweden after missing the previous World Cup tournament in France, saying she is nervous because this is a big stage in women’s football.

MAGAIA NERVOUS AHEAD OF WORLD CUP DEBUT BUT READY FOR SWEDEN

The nippy striker, Magaia is set to make her debut at the Women’s FIFA World Cup tournament but there’s no doubt that her contribution will be crucial for the South Africans.

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Born in Limpopo, Magaia’s role saw Banyana lift their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Morocco in July last year, where she netted a brace in the 2-1 win over Morocco.

The 28-year-old Magaia plays his club football for the South Korean club Sejong Sportstoto and calls on her teammates to be brave.

“We should go there with a positive mind, positive energy, so we cannot be threatened by them having a higher ranking,” Magaia said ahead of the match on Sunday.

“That’s what we can do so we can gain the confidence going to the game and not be intimidated by them – there’s a lot of mixed emotions.

“I’m nervous but at the same time I’m looking forward to the tournament and to the first game, and to see how it feels to play on the biggest stage.

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“I could say the motivation I take from the Wafcon is just the continuation of what we did, or what I did, in the Wafcon. But it’s about upping the intensity and the pace a bit higher because the stage is not the same.

“This is the highest stage and it needs one to up their game and be ready for anything.”

BANYANA’S MOTLHALO IN HIGH SPIRITS FOR SWEDEN

In addition, Magaia’s teammate, Linda Motlhalo said winning the Wafcon tournament can go a long way in giving them confidence against Sweden.

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Speaking to SABC Sport as The South African reported, the dribbling wizard Mothlalo is also banking on her teammates’ progress as far as club football is concerned.

“We’ve won the WAFCON and that’s the confidence booster for us,” said the Banyana star.

“The players have been doing well in their teams and coming here with that confidence boosts the team. So, we definitely have to do better this world cup.”

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Banyana will now set their sights on making it past the group stages for the first time in their history and the likes of Motlhalo and Magaia will be key for the African Queens.