Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana has revealed why she withdrew from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024).
Kgatlana was a surprise omission from coach Desiree Ellis’ team when the Banyana Banyana coach named her squad for this year’s tournament in Morocco in June and with no reasons given for her absence, there has been speculation.
South Africa nonetheless went on to the tournament and made it to the semi-final, where they lost in heartbreaking fashion to Nigeria, following a 2-1 defeat.
Banyana started well before a painful exit
Banyana Banyana had secured wins over Ghana and Mali as well as draw with Tanzania at the group stage before beating Senegal on post-match penalties in the quarter-final and Kgatlana has been following all the proceedings from a distance.
The Mexico-based striker says her absence was occasioned by a need to take leave from all football activities to sort out some personal matters but admits it was hard watching Banyana Banyana from the sidelines.
“It was difficult for me to watch Banyana Banyana exit WAFCON 2024 from the sidelines, but I am proud of the girls’ fight and achievement,” said Kgatlana as quoted by FAPost.
Why did Thembi Kgatlana pull out of WAFCON?
“My absence from the tournament has drawn speculation but I want to simply clarify that I am taking a pre-arranged leave of absence from all football for personal reasons. I love representing my country and will do so again in the future.
“To Tigres fans concerned that I have not returned to Mexico, I will see you all again very soon and will continue to give my all for the shirt. There is nothing to worry about and no deeper story. Thank you for all the concerns.”
Kgatlana has been the driving force for Banyana Banyana in recent years and although she suffered an injury during the group stages of WAFCON 2022, she led South Africa to the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup, a first for the country.
The former African Footballer of the Year currently plays for Mexican club Tigres UANL Femenil.
