Play
Run
don't
give
up
SHEBE 07
Life is short so shoot for what you wish for and work hard to achieve it because anything is possible.
Fact Sheet
Name: Leandra Smeda
(Pronounced Schmeda)
AKA: Chomi
Birthday: 22 July
Age: 29
Boots: Adidas X16 Techfit
Teams:
2010 - Ambassadors Ladies
2011 - 2012 - Cape Town Roses
2013 - Present - University of the Western
Cape
Olympics
London 2012
Rio 2016
CAF African Women's Championship:
2012 - Runner's up
2014 = 4th
2016 - 4th
SHEBE: Girl goalkeepers are few and far between; what do you think about getting outfield players to train as goalies?
KS: Ha-ha, I don’t think this position is for the faint hearted. Honestly speaking , I think anyone can become a goalkeeper if they are willing to put in the work, because it is not easy. I encourage girls to consider it because it is the best position ever (even though I am a little biased ha-ha)
SHEBE: What is in store for your fans this year?
KS: Everything is still up in the air right now, but I would love to play professionally overseas, so we will see what happens. I graduate college this month, and then hopefully I will be involved with Banyana for the upcoming qualifiers for the Women's World Cup.
Quick fire:
Fav colour : Tiffany Blue
Current Fav song : Freaky Friday by Chris Brown
Fav movie : She’s The Man
Current Fav series : The Voice and The Good Doctor
SAWNT caps : 3
Menlo caps : 53
SHEBE: Do you have any hidden talents? (Have you tried explaining cricket to Americans)
KS: Yes, I LOVE cricket, and I really miss playing it! That’s funny because I spoke about the AUS
vs SA match to one of my mates and they could not understand the concept of cricket, and they
often compare it to Baseball but it’s not the same. It is definitely hard to explain to them.
SHEBE: What is your favourite meal at home in SA and while away in the US?
KS: I love my mom’s cabbage stew, and I wish I had it out here. But in the US, it has to be Chipotle
Mexican Grill
SHEBE: Have you met hope solo yet?
KS: Yes, I have. We met in Chicago when we had a friendly against USA and then again at the Rio
Olympics. I admire her skill so much. She’ll always be a great goalkeeper to me.
I always believed in keeping the faith and never losing hope of becoming something big in life.