Banyana Banyana’s forward, Thembi Kgatlana, made an impressive home debut for new side, Racing Louisville on Friday evening.
The game marked Kgatlana’s second appearance following a 10-month stay on the sidelines due to a torn Achilles tendon.
The Banyana star initially made her debut for US side, Racing last Saturday, 6 May against Orlando Pride.
Kgatlana joined Racing last year in July from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Her debut was delayed as she sustained an injury that tore her Achilles tendon in a game against Botswana in the group stages of 2022 AWCON.
IMPRESSIVE HOME DEBUT FOR THE BANYANA STAR
The game on Friday, 12 May was Kgatlana’s her first home game for Racing. She came on in the 81st minute as a substitute and immediately contributed to the game.
Kgatlana put through a loose ball to her teammate, Parker Goins, which resulted in a goal.
The game ended with a 3-0 victory for Kgatlana’s side. Making it their first victory of the season after they had a tough start to the season.
After seven games, Racing currently sits eighth on the NWSL log table, with hopes to finish in the top six, in order to qualify for the playoff.
But for now, their head coach, Kim Björkegren, would like for his side to carry the winning momentum into their next games.
KGATLANA’S HEAD COACH ON RACING’S GOAL FOR THE SEASON
“We want to be a top-six team that can fight for the final in the end,” said Racing coach, Kim Björkegren.
“You have to start to win. We can’t just talk about good performances. A super important three points.”
“We want to be a top-six team that can fight for the final in the end. You have to start to win. We can’t just talk about good performances. A super important three points,” concluded Kgatlana’s head coach.
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