Thembi Kgatlana Sets Out to Make A Mark in USA

Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana returns to the United States of America on a transfer joining Racing Louisville FC on a two-year deal with the option to extend through to the 2024 season.

@NWSL defenders: Look out. 👊

We’ve signed Thembi Kgatlana, the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament, on a transfer from Atlético Madrid.

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) July 6, 2022

Kgatlana leaves Atlético Madrid having made 28 appearances and scored 7 goals to help the four-time Spanish Champions finish fourth in Spain’s Primera Division.

The 26-year-old, who had previously played in the NWSL for the Houston Dash, says she is very excited about the opportunity to return to the league as she has always felt like there is unfinished business and cannot wait to get started.

@RacingLouFC fans can expect a unique celly from signee Thembi Kgatlana. Watch the end: pic.twitter.com/GC1PvyNRCs

— Paul Miles (@PaulMiles840) July 6, 2022

Racing Coach Kim Björkegren says: “The team was looking for a forward who had a good first touch and wasn’t afraid to dribble and attack,” qualities they found in Thembi.

Kgatlana is currently in Morocco at the Africam Women’s Cup of Nations where South Africa are in Group C alongside Nigeria, Burundi and Botswana. She is expected to arrive in Louisville after the end of the tournament which ends on 23 July.

Heading back to the @NWSL with @RacingLouFC SEE YOU SOON! https://t.co/qzmQZ3v4Do

— GIRLS DON’T DO THAT (@Kgatlanathe1st) July 6, 2022

The newly signed Kgatlana has also recently made the preliminary list of nominees for the CAF Awards 2022 in the Player of the Year (Women) Awards category.

Congratulations to:

Andile Dlamini
Bambanani Mbane
Thembi Kgatlana
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Refiloe Jane
Linda Motlhalo

For making the preliminary list of the nominees for the Player of the Year (Women) award!

💛💚🇿🇦#CAFAwards2022

📸 @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/0fCbXJ2pdE

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 6, 2022

Photo 1 Caption: Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana returns to the United States of America on a transfer joining Racing Louisville FC on a two-year deal with the option to extend through to the 2024 season. Photo: Racing Louisville FC (Website)