Sundowns ladies celebrate women in science
Midfielder Thalea Smidt, who holds several STEM qualifications, shows what can be accomplished through dedication and perseverance.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies squad recognises the importance of advancing women and girls’ crucial role in science and technology.
This was as the squad commemorated International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11.
The international day of commemoration is the eighth time that organisations around the world review the progress within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
To honour the day, Sundowns Ladies celebrated one such inspiration from within their ranks.
Midfielder Thalea Smidt found the perfect balance between her successful football career, as well as achieving several degrees and qualifications in STEM.
Mamelodi Sundowns said that Smidt “serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished through dedication and perseverance”.
Smidt holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biotechnology, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Plant Science, and a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Digital Innovation already. The three-time Hollywoodbets Super League champion is now pursuing a Diploma in Coding & Technology through Upskillist, an education platform that recently partnered with Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Thanks to the advancements in technology and the availability of online learning options, things have become easier than in previous years,” she said.
With a demanding and successful career in football, she had to learn to balance it with her studies which she said requires a huge amount of effort, discipline, and time management skills.
“I had to learn the art of prioritising my plans as I was a student before becoming a footballer. Playing football often served as a much-needed escape from the rigors of my academic studies and helped me recharge and refocus on my education with great effect,” Smidt said.
The midfielder said that a lot of work needs to be done to ensure a more inclusive world where women and girls have equal opportunities to advance in fields they previously could not access easily.
The squad noted that women and girls face numerous challenges and barriers in accessing education and job opportunities in these fields, despite the leaps made in recent years.
On what she could create to make the world a better place, Thalea says, “It would be an invention that would eradicate poverty and crime and deliver more jobs for people across the world”.
Smidt is currently interested in coding and technology, which she says is significant in today’s world. This field gives women and girls valuable and in-demand skill sets, expands the range of career opportunities available to them, and fosters creativity and innovation.
“Currently, I am involved in a technology-focused agricultural start-up company aimed at deploying innovative technologies across small-scale farms across the country.”
Sundowns said that only a few players choose to study during their playing careers because both aspirations require undivided attention and dedication.
“So far, Thalea Smidt has displayed the ability to balance multiple commitments and achieve success in several areas,” the team said in a statement.
“To all the women and girls in science, we wish you well in your plans today and in the future.”
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