Banyana Banyana star, Thembi Kgatlana, has returned to action after her long-term injury, handing a boost to Coach Desiree Ellis.
Kgatlana has been out of action for 10 months after sustaining the injury shortly after completing her move to Racing Louisville.
She joined the US side from Atletico Madrid last year in July, but the unexpected happened when she ruptured her left Achilles tendon against Botswana in the AWCON last year.
And 10 months later, after rehabilitation, the 28-year-old finally returned to action and debuted for Louisville on Saturday, 6 May.
Kgatlana came on in the 85th minute against Orlando Pride. However, she failed to help her side secure a win, as they lost 1-0 away from home.
The Banyana forward revealed to the Louisville media that her return was bittersweet. The Banyana ace says she would have liked to debut for the NWSL side immediately after signing last year.
She further appreciated the club and the South African Football Association’s support in the 10 months she was out.
KGATLANA ON HER RETURN
“It was amazing to come back and play. A very bittersweet moment for me because I signed with Louisville a year ago.
“And I only got to play now, tough results today, but I think individually, for me, it was an achievement. I would like to say thank you to Louisville, the technical team, and my federation [SAFA].
“And everyone else who supported me so that I may be able to come back and play,” concluded Kgatlana.
WHAT DOES KGATLANA’S RETURN MEAN FOR BANYANA
Kgatlana has been a key player for Banyana since she debuted for the national team a few years ago.
However, due to her recent injury, she missed out on all the international friendly games Banyana played in preparation for the World Cup.
But despite that, the experience that she comes with will be a massive boost to Banyana’s World Cup campaign.
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