Exclusive: Kgatlana Reacts To WC Qualification

Injured Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana has reacted to her side’s qualification for the 2023 FIFA World Cup and explained her celebrations in crutches.

Kgatlana, 26, ruptured her achilles in the third group stage match against Botswana and will miss the rest of the tournament.

However, she was on the sidelines in crutches for Banyana’s crucial quarter-final, giving moral support to her teammates.

And it paid off, as Banyana qualified for the semi-final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as well as next year’s Women’s World Cup, leaving Kgatlana and her teammates in wild celebrations after the match.

🇿🇦 @Kgatlanathe1st shares a special moment with the @Banyana_Banyana squad after the final whistle. ⚽️♥️ #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 @iDiskiTimes @The_Safja pic.twitter.com/Ue2HVw1aDA

— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) July 14, 2022

“Football or any sport is a team sport, with more than one person you always have to be there for the girls, always supporting each other,” she told iDiski Times journalist Lorenz Kohler, who is in Morocco after being named SAFJA Journalist of the Year, in the mixed zone after the match.

“Yes, it’s unfortunate that I have got injured, but the girls have been there, the team have been there, the federation has been there for me and it gives me great joy to celebrate with them after the game.

“Everyone wins, we all win and I hope that everyone is happy for us for the win for us qualifying for the World Cup.”

Kgatlana also confirmed that she cannot stay longer in Morocco and will travel back home for a surgery on her ruptured achilles.

“Unfortunately I have to go home for a surgery,” she added.

Story by Lorenz Kohler & David Kappel.

Remember, the new edition of the free iDiski Times newspaper is out and in Shoprite stores in Gauteng. You can read an exclusive interviews with Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe, AmaZulu’s latest signing, George Maluleka, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Marc van Heerden, plus the latest transfer news on Lebogang Manyama, Collins Makgaka and Nicholus Lukhubeni. Make sure to get your FREE COPY at your nearest Shoprite in Gauteng.