Kgatlana Breaks Silence on WAFCON 2024 Absence

image: Goal.com/page

Lwandiso Simanga
Banyana Banyana vice-captain Thembi Kgatlana has addressed speculation
surrounding her absence from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),
clarifying that it was due to personal reasons unrelated to any controversy.

South Africa, the defending champions, were eliminated in the semi-finals by Nigeria,
with their lack of attacking firepower proving costly. The absence of Kgatlana, a key
forward, was keenly felt as the team struggled to find the net throughout the
tournament.

In a social media statement, Kgatlana expressed pride in her teammates’ efforts despite
watching from the sidelines. “My absence from the tournament has drawn speculation,
but I want to clarify that I am taking a pre-arranged leave of absence from all
football for personal reasons, there is nothing to worry about and no
deeper story,” she stated.”

She also reassured fans of her club, Tigres, that she would return soon and continue to
give her all.

With the 29-year-old’s future still bright, her temporary withdrawal raises questions for
coach Desiree Ellis. Should Ellis stay at the helm, she faces the challenge of developing
a new generation of strikers as the current squad begins to age.

Kgatlana’s absence may have signaled the need for a broader transition in Banyana
Banyana’s squad to sustain success on the continental stage.