Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana has signed for Racing Louisville in the United States of America from Spanish giants, Atletico Madrid.
The well-travelled frontwoman joins her new side on a two-year contract with an option to extend the deal for another two years.
She played 28 games across all competitions for Atletico, scoring seven goals and contributing three assists.
Kgatlana will arrive in Louisville after the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, which is currently underway in Morocco.
The 26-year-old returns to the NWSL having played for Houston Dash before. She also represented clubs in China, Portugal and Spain.
“We were looking for a winger/forward who has a good first touch and is not afraid to dribble and attack – and we have found exactly that with Thembi,” said Racing coach Kim Björkegren.
“What’s also important to us is that we signed not just a good player but a good teammate. Thembi always has a smile on her face and loves football, and she is ready to help the team as soon as she arrives in Louisville.”
Meanwhile, Kgatlana added: “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to return to the NWSL with Racing Louisville. It has always felt like there is unfinished business for me in the league, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“From the moment I spoke with Kim, it was clear that it is an exciting project. I joined Beijing BG Phoenix shortly after he had left and heard only good things, so it was an easy decision. I look forward to seeing everyone after the Cup of Nations!”
The former University of the Western Cape striker has 22 goals in 63 appearances for South Africa. She debuted for the national women’s senior team at the 2014 Africa Women Cup of Nations and twice started as a 20-year-old at the 2016 Olympics.
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