Banyana Banyana striker Hildah Magaia has urged local stars in the PSL to go to school and study so they don't end up destitute through bad luck.
Magaia is on cloud nine after recently securing her diploma in Officiating and Coaching Science at Tshwane University of Technology.
The 25-year-old striker is currently enrolled for an advanced diploma in the same course at TUT and is ready to go as far as doing a Masters Degree to boost her qualifications.
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Magaia has attributed her success in both her football career and her studies to hard work and discipline.
"It's about discipline and hard work. I try to balance both training and studying," Magaia tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"I study in the morning before I go to training and I also study on weekends when we are not playing. I also go through the night when I am studying but I make sure that I relax enough before I go to training.
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"I came to Pretoria with one thing in mind, to study. I knew what I wanted. Football is something that came after. I am happy that I managed to balance both. It took courage and hard work to achieve my diploma.
"I would like to urge soccer players to go to school and study because soccer is a short-term career. Football for ladies in the country is more like a hobby than a career even though some are getting contracts overseas.
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"But it's very important for players to study so that they can have something to fall on after their football careers.
"There is also the issue of injuries that can cut your football career short. Look at the issue of Wiseman Meyiwa, which shows that there are no guarantees in football and it's important for soccer players to go to school and study."
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The Mpumalanga-born striker has thanked TUT for being supportive towards her studies.
"TUT have been very supportive and are currently paying for my studies. They put our priority needs first. Whenever you need help in your studies they are always ready to give support," she explains..
Magaia has achieved six caps for Banyana Banyana but her ambition now is to work hard and add more accolades in her football career.
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"I have only six caps and three goals so far. I want to continue working hard and put more effort in to keep my place in the team," she says.
"I am looking forward to adding more caps and helping my country do well in international tournaments."