Thembi Kgatlana believes South Africa’s fearless performance against the Netherlands in Sunday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ last-16 clash proves her team can be a force to be reckoned with.
Banyana Banyana’s energy, skill and bravery saw them match the France 2019 finalists blow-for-blow, but they were eventually edged out 2-0 at Sydney Football Stadium.
Kgatlana was a constant menace during the game, with her searing pace and dribbling ability proving almost impossible to contain. As it was, the Dutch were indebted to a player-of-the-match performance from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who made a succession of fine saves to thwart the reigning African champions.
Racing Louisville forward Kgatlana, 27, explained how the team’s mindset underpinned their eye-catching display.
“It’s the round of 16 of the World Cup, so if we were just going to come here and think, ‘Oh, the Dutch are better than us’, then we may as well have packed our bags and went home before the game,” she said.
“I am very proud of myself and the rest of the team for how we played. We didn’t make it to the quarter-finals, but it’s exciting to have made it this far. We knew it was going to be a tough match but we gave it our all, and that’s what matters.
“We had to make them show their best against us. We had a quick turnover from the last game and we had some injuries. The performance we gave today from the resources we had…you have to give kudos to the team.”
Kgatlana’s dramatic 92nd-minute winner in South Africa’s final group-stage game against Italy sealed the nation’s place in the Women’s World Cup knockout phase for the first time.
The attacker revealed her confidence Banyana Banyana can continue to grow after their historic campaign – and paid tribute to the team’s passionate fanbase.
“I think we have proven over and over again [we are a strong side],” she said. “We have qualified for back-to-back Women’s World Cups, we won the Africa Cup of Nations and it feels like we are improving more and more.”
She added: “We really appreciate everyone who supported us here and back at home. So many South Africans have supported us in Sydney and in New Zealand during the group games. For us, it was something amazing, because it felt like a home away from home.”