Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana look set to recover from injury in time for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Kgatlana has given a positive update on her recovery from the injury she suffered earlier this year. She is now able to kick a ball.
“To all those who have been asking about my progress. Your girl is doing just fine,” she tweeted.
Kgatlana posted a video of herself kicking a ball against a wall of what seems her home in South Africa.
Her involvement in ball work is encouraging, considering that her right leg had previously been in Plaster of Paris.
There were fears she could be out of action for a year after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in July this year at the WAFCON finals in Morocco.
KGATLANA GOOD NEWS
Kgatlana suffered the injury in Banyana Banyana’s last group stage match against Botswana on July 10 2022, in Morocco.
Her recovery should be good news for Banyana Banyana ahead of the World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will co-host next year.
South Africa were drawn against Sweden, Italy and Argentina in Group D of the World Cup.
The World Cup will run from July 20 to August 20 2023. The Racing Louisville FC player was not involved in the recent friendlies for Banyana Banyana.
Her absence was greatly felt against superior opposition. South Africa lost 4-1 to Australia last month, weeks after other humiliating results at the hands of Brazil.
The World Cup co-hosts scored through Cotnee Vine (twice), one goal each in either half.
Clare Polkinghorne and Caitlin Foord also registered their names on the scoresheet to put the game to bed.
The Desiree Ellis side grabbed the consolation goal in the 86th minute through Hildah Magaia.
In her absence, South Africa also hosted Brazil and lost 3-0, and 6-0 in two friendlies played last month.
The 26-year-old winger signed for American club Louisville FC from Atletico Madrid of Spain a few months ago.
