Details of Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana’s move, including a staggering transfer fee and an eye-watering salary, have been revealed, and they’re sure to turn heads.
The US club, Racing Louisville, announced Kgatlana’s move to Mexican side UANL Tigres on Wednesday. Racing confirmed that the transfer fee was “the second-highest in National Women’s Soccer League history for a player departing the league for a foreign club”. They added that it is also the largest transfer fee in Racing Louisville’s history.
The Banyana Banyana vice-captain signed with NWSL outfit last year from Atletico Madrid. However, she was out for 10 months due to injury. She went on to make 16 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The Randfontein-born star says leaving Racing wasn’t an easy decision to take.
WHAT IS THEMBI KGATLANA’S TRANSFER FEE AND SALARY?
The deal reportedly sees the Liga MX outfit pay $ 275,000 [R5 million] to Racing Louisville.
But it’s not just the transfer fee that’s got people talking. The 2018 CAF Women’s Player of the Year is set to earn a staggering $550,000 [R10 million] annually for her three-year stint at Tigres. An additional $25,000 [R46000] awaits the US club, Louisville, if she reaches the 20-goal mark.
The move is a big one for Kgatlana, who has been a vital cog in Banyana’s success in recent years. She was part of the team that won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in 2022. Kgatlana played a starring role in Banyana’s run to the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
THEMBI KGATLANA GIVES THANKS TO RACING LOUISVILLE
“I would like to express my gratitude to Racing Louisville, my teammates, coaches, staff and fans. And the people of Louisville,” she wrote on her Instagram account.
“Every one of you believed in me in my lowest moments. That gave me the strength and courage I needed to perform at my best level for the club.
“You made my time in Louisville very special. You made it feel like home.
“Nothing is guaranteed in life. My journey with Racing Louisville ends here. Though it wasn’t an easy decision for me to make, I’m thankful Racing showed their support and understanding towards this decision.
“My family and everything that has to do with their well-being is very important to me. They will always take priority in my journey as a person and a player.
“I thank them for their support as we move forward to the next stage together. I thank Louisville for all the memories and experiences we shared.”
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