Thembi Kgatlana: CAF win for SA women players
BANYANA Banyana’s superstar striker Thembi Kgatlana has dedicated her CAF women’s player of the year award “to all the women’s players in South Africa about to start their careers”.
Kgatlana and Banyana coach Desiree Ellis made it a glittering night for South Africa as Ellis won the coach of the year award at the ceremony in Dakar, Senegal.
Kgatlana was the first South African to win the award since Noko Matlou in 2009.
She scored five goals at the African Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) in Ghana to beat the Nigerian pair of Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega. One of those goals was named goal of the year.
“I am honoured and privileged to win this award in this beautiful Hall of Legends. I would like to dedicate this award to all the women’s players in South Africa who are about to start their career, and all the girls who want to become champions,” she said.
Ellis was rewarded for guiding Banyana to the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup after they secured a top-three place at the Awcon.
Banyana produced some wonderful performances at the Awcon, and were in many ways unfortunate to lose the final on penalties against Nigeria.
As expected Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool) scooped player of the year for the second year after more goal-scoring exploits for his club and country.
Uganda and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Dennis Onyango was named best goalkeeper in Africa.
‘I’d like to dedicate this award to all women players in SA and girls eyeing becoming champions’