Thembi Kgatlana Clarifies Absence From Banyana Banyana Squad for WAFCON 2024
- Thembi Kgatlana has come out to explain why she was omitted from Banyana Banyana's squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- The Tigres UANL striker watched her teammates missed out on the chance to retain the title as they lost to Nigeria in the semi-final
- Kgatlana's statement generated different reactions from fans on social media as they shared their thoughts on it
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Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana has broken her silence concerning the reason she was missing from Desiree Ellis' squad for the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The former Atletico Madrid striker was the major absentee from South Africa’s squad for the competition and was one of the issues addressed before the start of the tournament, alongside the wages problem with the SAFA.
Banyana Banyana have done well in the absence of Kgatlana, but won’t retain their title after losing to the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the semi-final.
Source: Getty Images
Ellis' team have the chance not to come back to South Africa empty-handed as they will face Ghana in a bronze medal match on Friday, July 25, 2025.
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Kgatlana explains absence from Banyana's squad
According to iDiskiTimes, Kgatlana has come out to set the record straight concerning her absence from Banyana Banyana's team taking part at the ongoing WAFCON in Morocco.
The 29-year-old admitted that it was difficult for her to watch her teammates miss out on the chance to play in the final and confirmed that she was taking a pre-arranged leave from football due to personal reasons.
“It was difficult for me to watch Banyana Banyana exit WAFCON 2024 from the sidelines 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 your concern.”
Source: Getty Images
The South African international's submission on her absence sparked different reactions from fans on social media.
Fans react as Kgatlana explains absences from Banyana's squad
simplyTK wrote:
"She should not be called again for the national team’s duty. You do not “pre-arrange” leave when you know there is big tournament coming and your country needs you."
MandiDlula said:
"There is no pre-arranged leave here. Something is up and we will soon find out."
MduPG commented:
"She is still silent,there is nothing she said, the nation is out of the tournament, Losing against Nigeria is a bitter pill to swallow, she better be pregnant we will forgive her, but if it's money or differences between her & the coach she won't be forgiven."
Ngwato Lesiba reacted:
"She has said a whole lot of nothing. She should have just continued keeping quiet."
Mphathi Vhak'tdziwoSA implied:
"News says she wasn't happy with the coach. She has her FAVORITES when it comes to playing. The gal decided to boycott the tournament."
Classic_OG90 added:
"If she was pregnant as some of us assume or hope. She could have just be honest, I mean it would be lovely to have a female athlete who performs natural duties while still working. This thing of starting life late after career is really delaying them."
Ellis explains why Banyana lost to Nigeria
Briefly News earlier reported that Ellis reacted to Banyana Banyana's defeat against Nigeria in the semi-finals of the WAFCON.
The Banyana Banyana head coach opened up why her team failed to progress to the next stage of the competition.
Source: Briefly News
