Smeda: It Is Up To The Coach

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

Leandra Smeda in action for TS Galaxy Queens against University of Johannesburg in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Photo Cred: (@leandrasmeda17 Instagram)

Leandra Smeda scooped the Hollywoodbets Super League Best Footballer of the Year accolade at the league's end-of-season celebration on Sunday night at Voda World in Midrand. 

"I believe that my experience over the years, as well as the fact that I played for the majority of my career and my versatility as a player, contributed significantly to my performance last season." Said Smeda. 

The Velddrif-born standout credits her experience and hard work for being crowned the league's best player. For a long period, South Africa has struggled with goal scoring. Smeda led the scoring charts with 22 goals last season. She attributes her goal-scoring abilities to a desire to score goals and the assistance she received from the technical team.

"There is no genuine secret. I believe it was the fact that I played as an attacking player for the majority of my career that helped me, but also the work the technical team put in to assist me improve my scoring form."


Smeda joined TS Galaxy Queens at the start of the 2025 season, following a stint with Spanish side RCD Espanyol. The 1.63m-tall attacker fit in well with the Rockets group. She claims that the experience she has gained over the years has helped her to settle in fast. Having competed at the top levels in football. Smeda gives ShakingInk her honest view on where the South African league is in relation to the Spanish one.

⁠"I quickly adapted to my squad and league. The South African league is not as fast-paced, rugged, or technically advanced as the Spanish league, although it has progressed significantly over time."


Smeda has been out of the national team setup for a long time. The 36-year-old striker says she still wants to wear the rainbow nation's green and gold colors. Smeda said she will continue to work hard while leaving the rest to the national team coach.

"I'd love to represent the national team again, but the decision is up to the coach, and all I can do is work hard on the pitch." Sealed Smeda. 

@Lamola_Herold 

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