Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has reacted to Gabriela Salgado’s emotional return to the pitch, marking the end of a long road to recovery after a career-threatening leg injury.
Salgado sustained a leg injury during the CAF 2024 WAFCON semi-final tie against Nigeria in July last year. Ellis‘ charges suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Super Falcons at Stade Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco. As a result, South Africa failed to defend their WAFCON title.
The JVW FC midfielder fractured the mid-shaft of her left leg and underwent successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.
The versatile player, who can play as a midfielder or defender, was then ruled out of the entire season in the last term.
The long-awaited comeback finally arrived on Wednesday afternoon at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Salgado featured in Banyana Banyana’s 2-0 victory over Malawi in their Group A opener of the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
‘IT’S A BIG BOOST FOR HER’: DESIREE ELLIS
Speaking about the midfielder’s return, Ellis praised Salgado’s mental fortitude in overcoming the psychological hurdles that often follow such a horrific injury.
“I think ‘Gabi’ coming in was a big boost for her and for the group as well because, from where she is coming from, normally when you come back from a horrific injury, there are a bit of nerves, and you don’t get into the 50/50 situations,” said coach Ellis.
“But we have seen that at our training sessions. She has been training with her team since the preseason started. It’s fantastic to have her back.
“We saw everybody clapping hands when she went on the field because it was a big moment after having such a bad injury less than a year ago.”
Salgado will be looking to earn more minutes as Banyana continues its COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign, aiming to build momentum and cement her place in the national team ahead of the WAFCON tournament.
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