Kgatlana hopeful of bouncing back
Injured Banyana Banyana superstar Thembi “Pikinini” Kgatlana says she is devastated after learning that she will be out action for a year due to the injury she sustained during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals in Morocco last month.
But the Safa medical team is working tirelessly to have her ready before the Fifa Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20 next year.
Kgatlana damaged her ankle ligaments at Wafcon and was stretchered off the field in the group stages against Botswana. She was forced to travel back home and missed the rest of the tournament, which her teammates won, after defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final.
She was operated on by specialists in Cape Town.
“The doctors said that I will be out for a year, but I am happy that there is a possibility that I will recover before the World Cup next year. That’s something to look forward to and I will be ready and eager to play. With all the doctors helping me I am looking forward to my recovery. I am very happy with the kind of treatment the doctors are giving me,” said Kgatlana.
“I have a strong head and I want to thank the federation for being there for me. I left Morocco after the injury and they made sure I got the best treatment and also the Safa chief medical officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya was on hand. I did my operation in Cape Town and Dr Ngwenya has been very supportive.”