Banyana Banyana suffered a massive blow with taliswoman Thembi Kgatlana ruled out of the Women’s Africa Cup Nations (WAFCON) due to an injury, writes Mpumi Manyisi.
Former Banyana ace Khabo Zitha has lamented how much of a setback the injury is for the South African national team.
Having faced a similar experience in the same number 11 jersey back in 1998 and in 2000, she knows exactly how the newly signed Racing Louisville star is feeling.
“Hearing about Thembi’s injury just hit home for me. It reminded me of when I had to miss out on the WAFCON twice due to injury in the same jersey, number 11; I went through unforgettable pain watching my teammates represent the country without me; I know exactly what she’s going through,” she told FARPost.
Kgatlana was stretchered off in the second half of their 1-0 win over Botswana on Monday. Team doctor Rodney Mokoka confirmed that she sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon and would possibly be out of action for 24 weeks.
Nonetheless, Zitha is confident that coach Desiree Ellis has enough depth in her team to stake a strong challenge for the African title.
“Coach Desiree Ellis has an excellent pool to choose from; looking at the five remaining strikers – Jermaine Seoposenwe has the potential to take up the leadership role up front in place of Kgatlana.
“And Hilda Magaia can always be there to support alongside youngster Nthabiseng Majiya – coming in as fresh legs. It is important to rotate players so the team is not always dependent on a particular player to achieve desired results. Not all hope is lost for Banyana,” Zitha added.
Banyana Banyana’s quest for WAFCON glory continues on Thursday as they look to take on Tunisia in the quarter-final showdown at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan Stadium, Morocco. Kick-off is 22h00.
Banyana Banyana suffered a massive blow with taliswoman Thembi Kgatlana ruled out of the Women’s Africa Cup Nations (WAFCON) due to an injury, writes Mpumi Manyisi.
Former Banyana ace Khabo Zitha has lamented how much of a setback the injury is for the South African national team.
Having faced a similar experience in the same number 11 jersey back in 1998 and in 2000, she knows exactly how the newly signed Racing Louisville star is feeling.
“Hearing about Thembi’s injury just hit home for me. It reminded me of when I had to miss out on the WAFCON twice due to injury in the same jersey, number 11; I went through unforgettable pain watching my teammates represent the country without me; I know exactly what she’s going through,” she told this publication.
Kgatlana was stretchered off in the second half of their 1-0 win over Botswana on Monday. Team doctor Rodney Mokoka confirmed that she sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon and would possibly be out of action for 24 weeks.
Nonetheless, Zitha is confident that coach Desiree Ellis has enough depth in her team to stake a strong challenge for the African title.
“Coach Desiree Ellis has an excellent pool to choose from; looking at the five remaining strikers – Jermaine Seoposenwe has the potential to take up the leadership role up front in place of Kgatlana.
“And Hilda Magaia can always be there to support alongside youngster Nthabiseng Majiya – coming in as fresh legs. It is important to rotate players so the team is not always dependent on a particular player to achieve desired results. Not all hope is lost for Banyana,” Zitha added.
Banyana Banyana’s quest for WAFCON glory continues on Thursday as they look to take on Tunisia in the quarter-final showdown at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan Stadium, Morocco. The kick-off is 22h00.
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