Banyana Banyana's Hildah Magaia opens up about the significance of the R1 million prizemoney set to be paid to each Banyana player after the team qualified for the last-16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
The WAFCON champions sealed a spot in the knockout stage of the global showpiece with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Italy on Wednesday.
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Magaia, who has forged somewhat of a reputation for scoring in important matches, including a brace against Morocco in the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in June last year, earning the nickname 'Bread winner', has explained that what the prizemoney will mean for her.
"It means I will be able to help my family. I will be able to do anything for my mom because I'm the one who takes care of her. I'm the bread winner (laughs)," Magaia said.
"But yes, It means I will be able to do anything for my mom."
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#RSA 3??2? #ITA#SABCSportFootball #Sisonke #GameChangeHer pic.twitter.com/eZL1d1DPH7
The goal against Italy was as second of the competition for the 28-year-old who also provided an assist for captain Thembi Kgatlana to score the match-winner and as a result was awarded the Player of the Match award.
"I mean, they call me the 'Bread winner', so without the Bread winner, there's no bread. I had to provide the bread for the nation," Magaia jokingly added.
"The history we made really means a lot more especially knowing that we were so close to going home," Magaia added.
"It (World Cup) is an emotional one. But personally, I could say since this is my first World Cup it's really an emotional one. I don't want to lie, and it's all God's glory for me.
Still thinking about ???????? Hildah Magaia brace ??
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That celebration is iconic ??#EmpoweringOurGame | #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/7ea7I3KSES
The R1.1 million is an increase from the allocated amount of R558, 000 each player from the 32 nations received for appearing in the group stages of the tournament.
That amount of R1.1 million will then increase to R1.7 million should Banyana reach the quarter-finals.
Desiree Ellis' side next face the Netherlands in a Round of 16 clash on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 04:00 (SA time).