There will be a new captain to lead the University of Pretoria in the 2018 edition of the Varsity Women’s Football tournament with 20-year-old Thalea Smidt making the move from the University of the Western Cape to pursue her Honours in Plant Sciences.
This will be her fourth campaign after representing UWC for three years where they were losing finalists in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons and the former Muizenberg High School learner is keen to lift the trophy with her new teammates.
Varsity Sports: How did you get started as a footballer?
Thalea Smidt: My father and brother used to play and I’d accompany them. I joined my home town club, Strandfontein AFC, at Under-9 level and the rest is history.
VS: Who do you look up to as a player?
TS: To be honest, I admire several people but within the football world it has to be Iniesta for his personality and the way he plays. In South Africa, it has to be Refiloe Jane and Leandra Smeda.
VS: Who has had the biggest impact on your career thus far?
TS: Definitely my parents. They are my inspiration and constantly motivate and encourage me to keep going and to never give up on my dreams. They reassure me when I have doubts about my abilities.
VS: What are the main differences between UWC and UP-Tuks?
TS: The way we train is completely different to how we did it at UWC.
VS: Describe your style of leadership?
TS: I always lead the team as best I can but I definitely do not do it alone. I need to step up as a player with the added responsibility of leading the team as I have to motivate them and keep our discipline in check while maintaing the team’s focus. I believe that leadership is a team orientated goal and if everyone leads from their position then it creates a winning equation.
VS: What are the goals that the team would like to achieve this season?
TS: We are taking it one game at a time but our objective is to obviously win the tournament.
VS: Your thoughts on Varsity Football as a tournament that embraces student athletes?
TS: It is a great platform for students to showcase their talent and get exposure which is something that not all get. Varsity Sports encourages athletes to further their studies while playing the sport they love.
VS: What are your football aspirations and your plans for life after football?
TS: Since I was young, I always dreamed of playing professional football. I’m still pushing for that aspiration and want to add on my U20 national team stint by playing for the senior national team. Honestly, I wish I could play forever but once my time is over I will work within my respective field which is science.
UP-Tuks Fixtures 2018
20 September
16:00 – UWC v UP-Tuks – Fanie du Toit A
21 September
10:00 – UP-Tuks v WSU – Fanie du Toit A
17:00 – UP-Tuks v University of Zululand – Fanie du Toit A
By Dan Lombard
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