WAFCON 2026: Hildah Magaia ready to carry Banyana’s dreams on her shoulders

Banyana Banyana forward Hildah Magaia has welcomed the weight of expectation on her shoulders as South Africa begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title defence in Morocco.

The 31-year-old striker has developed a reputation for delivering on the biggest stages, and she will once again be central to Banyana’s hopes of reclaiming African dominance when the tournament kicks off on Sunday and runs until August 16.

Magaia’s history at Wafcon makes her one of South Africa’s most important attacking weapons. She played a starring role in the 2022 final against hosts Morocco, scoring twice as Banyana secured a dramatic 2-1 victory to lift their first-ever continental title.

Her influence has also extended beyond Africa’s premier women’s tournament. During South Africa’s unforgettable 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, Magaia found the net twice as Banyana reached the round of 16 for the first time in their history.

‘The Breadwinner’ ready for another defining moment

With another major tournament ahead, Magaia knows the spotlight will be firmly on her, but she insists she is prepared to embrace the responsibility that comes with being one of Banyana’s key figures.

“Obviously there’s pressure on my shoulders because I believe that the nation is waiting on ‘The Breadwinner’ to deliver the bread for the nation. So, it’s not just me going there, [but] it’s me representing every girl and person that’s behind Banyana Banyana,” Magaia said.

Her preparations for the tournament have not been straightforward. The striker is currently without a club after parting ways with Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruna last month and has battled injury setbacks that interrupted her involvement with the national team.

However, Magaia believes overcoming those challenges makes her inclusion in Desiree Ellis’ squad even more meaningful.

“First of all, I can say that it’s all God’s work [to have made the final Wafcon squad]. I have been in and out of the team with injuries, so I am happy that I was able to overcome all the injuries to be selected and be part of the Wafcon team,” she said.

Young stars expected to provide fresh energy

South Africa will also rely on a new generation of talent as they attempt to defend their title and secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Banyana’s squad includes at least six players under the age of 23, and Magaia believes the emerging talents can make a significant impact if they handle the pressure of tournament football.

“In terms of the youth in the team, I think they are really going to help us. They are looking up to us, and to those who have played for Banyana before. They’ve been wishing to be here. Now that they’re going to Wafcon, I believe that they’ll put in the work and overcome any pressure,” she added.

South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. They begin their campaign against Tanzania in Rabat on Monday as Magaia and her teammates begin their quest for another historic triumph.