Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana has left Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid and found a new home in the USA.
She is now on the books of Racing Louisville FC which campaigns in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The 26-year old has penned a two year contract with an option to extend.
“We are very pleased to bring Thembi to Racing Louisville. She will bring a wealth of experience with her. She has played in multiple countries at the highest level and also has NWSL experience. Thembi also has been a leader for her national team with a phenomenal goal-scoring record. Our supporters will be excited to see her play as she is an attacking player who can create and score goals,” said club president James O’Connor.
Kgatlana is currently in camp with Banyana Banyana in Morocco participating in the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and will join her new club at the end of the tournament.
The 2018 CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year returns for her second stint in the USA after previously signing for Houston Dash – where she kickstarted her overseas stint.
She has also played in China and Portugal.
“We were looking for a winger/forward who has a good first touch and is not afraid to dribble and attack – and we have found exactly that with Thembi. What’s also important to us is that we signed not just a good player but a good teammate. Thembi always has a smile on her face and loves football, and she is ready to help the team as soon as she arrives in Louisville,” said Racing coach Kim Björkegren on the club’s website.
Kgatlana made a total of 28 appearances for Madrid with nine starts, scoring seven goals in the process – helping the club to fourth position in Spain’s Primera Division and also reach the final of the Supercopa Feminina.
“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to return to the NWSL with Racing Louisville. It has always felt like there is unfinished business for me in the league, and I can’t wait to get started. From the moment I spoke with Kim, it was clear that it is an exciting project. I joined Beijing BG Phoenix shortly after he had left and heard only good things, so it was an easy decision. I look forward to seeing everyone after the Cup of Nations,” said Kgatlana.
The Randfontein-born forward played 16 matches for Houston Dash in 2018 with two goals to her name. Her next stop in 2019 was Beijing where she scored six goals in 10 appearances for Beijing BG. The following year she went to Europe after being recruited by Benfica. She helped the Portuguese club qualify for its first UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Kgatlana’s stint in Spain started with SD Eibar before she moved to Atletico Madrid.
By Matlhomola Morake
