Tigres UANL and Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana has set the record straight on her absence from South Africa’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) squad, saying it is a leave of absence and she will return.
Kgatlana watched Banyana get eliminated from the tournament on-going in Morocco, losing 2-1 to Nigeria in an emotional semi-final encounter that saw their teammate Gabriela Salgado stretched off with a serious injury.
Banyana will now play Ghana for a bronze medal on Friday. They headed to Morocco without the former African Women’s Player of the Year, who withdrew from the side due to “personal reasons”.
The 29-year-old now opened up about the difficulties of watching the team exit the tournament, while explaining that she’s taking a pre-arranged leave from the game – and not just Banyana – and she will return soon.
“It was difficult for me to watch Banyana Banyana exit WAFCON 2024 from the side-lines last night but I am proud of the girls’ fight and achievement,” said Kgatlana.
“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 concern.”
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