Match Winner Thembi Kgatlana Shines for Bayana Bayana While Nursing Family Loss

Match Winner Thembi Kgatlana Shines for Bayana Bayana While Nursing Family Loss

By Gbenga Gboyega

The match winner for the Bayana Bayana of South Africa - Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana, has revealed the trauma she had to contain while shining bright for her country on the world stage in Australia, bsnsports.com.ng reports.

The 27-year-old Southy forward revealed how she managed her emotions on the pitch to help her country beat Italy 3-2 after losing three family members back home in the space of three weeks.

"I'm so emotional," Thembi confessed during her post-match interview.

"Over the last three weeks, I have lost three family members, I could have gone home, but I chose to stay with my girls because that's how much it means," she said.

The game was in equilibrium right at the 74th minute when Italy's Caruso Arianna restored parity for 2-2, but remarkably, Kgatlana struck in the 92nd minute from a Magaia assist to break the hearts of Le Azzurre, as the Banyana Banyana secured their first-ever World Cup win in history.

"I came back from a brutal injury and for me to be here and play for the country and represent every single girl who wanted to be here, to make history for South Africa, everyone deserves it.

"Every time I wear this jersey, it's not just for myself, it's for the 63 million people at home -- and all the others here in Wellington.

"I don't just represent myself. I represent my club as well, the girls, our families. What we did here, still has to sink in," Thembi added with elated feelings.

South Africa join the Super Falcons as the only African teams in the knockout stages, after Zambia bowed out following a torrid campaign in Group C, conceding 11 goals and scoring thrice.

In anticipation of the Round of 16 tie with the Netherlands, Thembi gushed about the mood of the players moving forward...

"We will be singing a lot, dancing, and listening to music, maybe the whole time until we fly to Sydney (for the knockout game)."