Ten days after being announced as a new signing for newly-crowned Liga MX Femenil champions, Tigres UANL, Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana has already arrived in Mexico and joined her teammates for pre-season training.
Donning the number 16 jersey, unlike her usual 11, the Randfontein-born player was welcomed and introduced to her new colleagues by head coach Milagros Martínez before enjoying her first training session.
Kgatlana made a lasting impression on the Tigres UANL players when she greeted them in Spanish – which she learnt during her time in Spain with SD Eibar (2020/21) and Atletico Madrid 2021/22) before moving to the USA where she joined Racing Louisville.
The captain of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana becomes the second current South African player to be registered in the Mexican league, following in the footsteps of compatriot, Jermaine Seoposenwe – the latter is now on the books of FC Monterey after spending a season with FC Juarez.
Kgatlana surprised many when she left Racing Louisville in a record-breaking transfer for an African woman footballer.
She has signed a three-year contract for the Liga MX Femenil champions, and will be hoping to get her first silverware abroad with the high-riding Mexican team.
Kgatlana could make her debut in the opening match of the Clausura season on Sunday, 7 January 2024 when Tigres UANL takes on Atletico San Luis.
The 2018 CAF Women’s Player of the Year has also been on the books of Houston Dash (USA), Beijing BG Phoenix (China), Benfica (Portugal), SD Eibar & Atletico Madrid (both Spain) as well as Racing Louisville (USA).
By Matlhomola Morake
