Banyana Banyana attacker Gabriela Salgado has appreciated the support she received from the football fraternity following her horrific injury suffered against Nigeria in the WAFCON semi-final.
The 27-year-old attacker fractured her leg in the 84th minute and was immediately attended to on the pitch before being rushed to the hospital. Coach Desiree Ellis went on to claim the emotional damage led to South Africa's 2-1 loss against the Super Falcons in the last four.
Salgado has since undergone a successful surgery on her leg, and she is on her road to recovery. The Super Falcons, the Black Queens of Ghana, CAF, and other teams have since shown massive support to the South Africa international.
She has further thanked all those who contributed to her medication and emotional well-being.
‘I am truly grateful' – Salgado
“Overwhelmed with gratitude, I just want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to everyone who has reached out with love, support, and prayers since my injury. It has been an emotional few days, but I truly feel held by the kindness around me,” Salgado said in her message to the public.
“To my family, friends & teammates back home, your messages and calls have kept my spirit strong. Thank you for standing by me. To my Banyana family, from the team manager, doctors, physio, coaches, and to every single player, thank you for the exceptional care, support, and love you have shown me. You made me feel safe, seen, and truly cared for,” she continued.
“To the teams from Nigeria, Ghana & CAF, your kindness and concern did not go unnoticed. Thank you for your sportsmanship and support. To the amazing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, thank you for taking such good care of me. I am truly grateful.
“I am still processing everything and recovering, but I will respond to messages and check-ins as soon as I can. Just know that I feel every bit of love sent my way,” Salgado concluded.
