Banyana Banyana midfielder Gabriela Salgado has expressed gratitude at finally playing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after missing the cup-winning 2022 edition due to injury.
The JVW FC player came off the bench to help South Africa defeat Mali 4-0 in their final group C encounter on Monday, a result that saw Banyana top the group and set-up a quarter-final clash with Senegal.
ALSO READ: Banyana Trio Makes WAFCON Group Stage Best XI
Banyana’s Quarter-Final Opponents Confirmed
The game was Salgado’s first and at her maiden WAFCON event having missed out on the last one due to injury. She had made Desiree Ellis’ squad for the 2022 edition but had to withdraw at the 11th hour because of the knock.
The 27-year-old reflected on that time calling it a heartbreak and how special it felt to take to the pitch and her hopes of getting more game time to help the team defend the title.
“First of all, I’m grateful to be here it’s an honour, as you all know, the last one I missed out on due to injury,” Salgado told Safa.net.
“But just being here is a real honour and really enjoying it and taking every moment in. It hasn’t been an easy tournament. So far, every team has come out to try and beat us, but we’ve stood together, and we’ve done our very best to make it through to quarters.
“Of course, it was very disappointing didn’t expect that to happen but it’s football it’s part of the game. Very heart-breaking but happy to be where I am now. It took a lot of work to get back into the squad and make sure I’m at the right level to be here. I had a lot of support from my family. Always stood by me and made sure that I keep pushing I never give up on my dream. So just being here, it’s a real honour and also I couldn’t have done it without God. God has been by my side. He strengthened me and helped me through this process. I’m just happy to be here.
“My first WAFCON obviously, taking to the pitch was incredible, just stepping onto the field, taking in that moment, and I knew I was hungry to play, you know, something I’ve been looking forward to.
“So, I went up and gave my best and hopefully I can get more minutes just make it a memorable tournament and come back with the cup.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
