Leandra Smeda’s Return Home After International Success to strengthen the Hollywoodbets Super League
From Velddrif in the Western Cape to stadiums across Europe and North Africa, Leandra Smeda has built an impressive career in football. She has played in Spain, Sweden, Portugal, and Egypt, showcasing her skill on some of the biggest stages. Now, she’s returned to South Africa to join TS Galaxy Queens, ready to add her expertise to the growing Hollywoodbets Super League.
After years of playing abroad, Smeda is back in South Africa as she joined TS Galaxy Queens for the new season. Her decision was driven by the club’s vision and the opportunity to contribute her wealth of experience to a growing team.
“TS Galaxy Queens is an ambitious club, and I’m excited to be part of their journey,” she shares. “I believe I can bring my experience from playing in different leagues to help the team grow and challenge for top honors.”
The winger has played for an array of teams, including FC Masar in Egypt and FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, two clubs affiliated with the Right to Dream organization. Her time in these vastly different footballing cultures gave her a deeper appreciation of the game’s nuances.
“It was a very good experience,” Smeda reflects. “To witness the growth of both clubs, especially FC Masar in such a short space of time, was inspiring. I learned a lot from both countries, both on and off the field.”
Smeda’s journey through Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, and Lithuania has broadened her footballing perspective. Having played in leagues with varying styles of play, she highlights the stark differences between Europe, North Africa, and South Africa.
“In Spain, it’s more tactical, while Sweden and Denmark are very physical,” she explains. “The pace of the game in Europe is fast, so adaptation is key. In Egypt, the league is still developing but has great potential. The passion for football is strong, but in Europe, the structure and professional setup give them an edge.”
She believes that for South African women’s football to reach its full potential, a more structured and sustainable approach is needed. “Funding, grassroots development, and proper facilities are crucial. Equal pay and opportunities also need to be addressed,” she emphasizes.
Despite her return to South Africa, Smeda strongly advocates for young players to explore opportunities abroad if possible. “Our development structures are still far behind other footballing nations,” she admits. “Playing overseas exposes you to better training, coaching, and access to professionals like strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists. Those resources make a huge difference in a player’s growth.”
Her advice to aspiring footballers is simple: take the leap if the opportunity presents itself. “Playing in different leagues challenges you to grow. It’s not just about football—it’s about adapting to new cultures, new styles of play, and learning life skills that will help you in the long run.”
While football has been her passion and career, Smeda is already preparing for life beyond the pitch. She is currently pursuing a BSc in Strength & Conditioning, with aspirations of remaining in the football industry once she hangs up her boots.
“I’d love to work in football after playing, maybe in sports science or coaching,” she reveals. “I think it’s important to have something beyond football, and that’s why I’ve been studying.”
When she’s not training or focusing on her studies, Smeda enjoys spending time with friends and family, unwinding with TV series and movies.
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