Thalea Lauren Smidt
Cape Town
Summary
Thalea Smidt is a 27-year-old professional soccer player for South Africa’s Women’s National Team, Banyana Banyana, with extensive experience at club and international levels. She played a key role in South Africa’s first-ever Women’s African Cup of Nations win and captained the team to a COSAFA silver medal in 2024.
At the club level, Thalea has represented the University of the Western Cape, TUKS, and Mamelodi Sundowns, contributing to multiple league titles and a CAF Women’s Champions League victory. Renowned for her passing, ball control, and game intelligence, she excels at dictating play and providing defensive stability
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Player
South African International Team
01.2022 - Current
- Senior International Football
- 18 appearances
Player
University of Pretoria
06.2023 - 11.2024
- Hollywoodbest Super league (first division currently)
Player
Mamelodi Sundowns
02.2021 - 06.2023
- Hollywoodbest Super league (first division currently)
Player
University of Pretoria
01.2018 - 12.2020
- SASOL League (South Africa top division at the time)
Player
South African University International Team
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Senior International Football (World Student Games)
- 15 appearances
Player
University of the Western Cape
01.2015 - 12.2017
- SASOL League (South Africa top division at the time)
Player
South African International Team
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Youth International Football
- 7 appearances
Player
Spurs Women's Football Club
01.2013 - 12.2014
- SASOL League (South Africa first division at the time)
Player
Santos Womens Team
01.2011 - 12.2012
- SASOL League (South African top division at the time)
Player
Strandfontein AFC Women's senior team
01.2010 - 12.2010
- ABSA league, second division at the time
Player
Strandfontein AFC Youth Football
01.2006 - 12.2009
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Digital Innovation
University of Pretoria
Pretoria06-2019
Bachelor of Science - Plant Sciences
University of Pretoria
Pretoria05-2019
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa04-2018
Skills
- Vision- Ability to read the game
- Passing Range- Ability to execute short, accurate passes and long, defense-splitting passes
- Great technical ability
- Capability to shoot from distance and pose a threat in attacking scenarios
- Good ball retention and anticipation
- Creativity , can create goal scoring opportunities
- Positioning- knowing where to be to receive the ball, intercept passes, or support teammates
- Versatility- Ability to transition between defensive and attacking roles seamlessly
- Leadership - Guiding and supporting teammates, always acting like a leader on the field
- Work Ethic - Relentless energy and mentality to cover ground for the benefit of the team
Player profile
Age: 27,
Passport: South African
Position: Central Midfielder (CM)/(CDM),
Other Positions: Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM)
Dominant Foot: Right
Height: 1.58m
Weight: 58kg
Playing contract
Free Agent
International career history
- 2021 - Present, South African International Team, Senior International Football, 18
- 2017 - 2019, South African International Team, Youth International Football, 7
- 2015 - 2019, South African University International Team, Senior International Football (World Student Games), 15
Professional Highlights
- 2015, South African Football Association (SAFA) western cape, youth female player of the year
- 2016, SAFA western cape league winner (SASOL league)
- 2016, Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA gold medallist)
- 2017, International University Sports Federation (FISU) world student games 4th place
- 2021, Hollywoodbets Super League winner (highest league in South Africa)
- 2022, Hollywoodbets Super League winner (highest league in South Africa)
- 2021, Council of Southern Africa Football (COSAFA) CAF Champions league qualifiers winner
- 2021, Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League winner
- 2022, Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Gold medallist
- 2024, COSAFA Womens Cup runner up (silver)
Leadership qualities
- 2018, University of Pretoria Women's Football team vice-captain
- 2019, University of Pretoria Women's Football team captain
- 2019, South African University team; World Student Games vice-captain
- 2023, Captain South African women's team at Cosafa games
- 2024, Captain South Africa at Cosafa Women's Cup
Timeline
Player
University of Pretoria
06.2023 - 11.2024
Player
South African International Team
01.2022 - Current
Player
Mamelodi Sundowns
02.2021 - 06.2023
Player
University of Pretoria
01.2018 - 12.2020
Player
South African International Team
01.2015 - 01.2016
Player
South African University International Team
01.2015 - 12.2019
Player
University of the Western Cape
01.2015 - 12.2017
Player
Spurs Women's Football Club
01.2013 - 12.2014
Player
Santos Womens Team
01.2011 - 12.2012
Player
Strandfontein AFC Women's senior team
01.2010 - 12.2010
Player
Strandfontein AFC Youth Football
01.2006 - 12.2009
Post Graduate Diploma - Digital Innovation
University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Science - Plant Sciences
University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
University of The Western Cape
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