Thembi Kgatlana is a talented Banyana Banyana forward. She was part of the South African squad that reached the Round of 16 at the Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, scoring the winning goal against Italy to send her side to the knockout rounds for the first time in history.
In this article, you'll learn about the forward's impressive journey and details about her salary, current team, career stats, and achievements. Delve into her personal life, including her marital status and her impact on the world of women's soccer.
Thembi Kgatlana she's the secret weapon for Banyana Banyana! 🥳💪🏿🇿🇦😍 pic.twitter.com/8EAiGEXjDt
— Cellular® (@Cellular_jnr) July 23, 2023
Thembi Kgatlana Biography
Thembi Kgatlana, also known as Chrestinah Thembi “Pikinini” Kgatlana, is a prominent South African professional soccer player renowned for her prowess as a forward. Born on May 2, 1996, she has made significant contributions to both club and international soccer, leaving a mark on the global stage.
| Full Name | Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana |
|---|---|
| Profession | Association Football Player |
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1996 |
| Age (As of 2023) | 27 Years |
| Place of Birth | Mohlakeng |
| Birth Country | South Africa |
| Birth Sign | Capricorn |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Height | 1.55 m |
| Position | Forward |
| Team | Racing Louisville FC |
| Gender | Female |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| @kgatlanathe1st | |
| @Kgatlanathe1 |
Thembi Kgatlana club career
Thembi Kgatlana's journey in professional soccer took her to various clubs around the world, showcasing her skills and talent on different continents.
Houston Dash
In February 2018, Kgatlana ventured to the United States to join the Houston Dash, a team competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Her former national team coach, Vera Pauw, played a vital role in bringing her to Houston, where she joined fellow South African teammates Janine van Wyk and Linda Motlhalo. During her time with the Dash, she made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals, leaving an impact on the NWSL.
Beijing BG Phoenix
After her stint with Houston Dash, Kgatlana moved to China to play for Beijing BG Phoenix F.C. in the Chinese Women's Super League. She signed a one-year deal and had an impressive season, scoring six league goals in 10 appearances, which contributed to Beijing BG Phoenix's fifth-place finish.
SL Benfica
On January 27, 2020, Kgatlana signed with SL Benfica, a renowned club in Portugal. She made her debut for the team on February 1, 2020, in a 3–1 victory over Braga in the Taça da Liga Feminina. Her performance with Benfica helped the club reach the finals of the Portuguese Cup and Taca da Liga Femenina competitions, as well as securing a spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time in their history.
SD Eibar
Due to complications arising from the COVID-19 crisis and salary cap issues in Portuguese women's football, Kgatlana's time at Benfica was cut short. On July 21, 2020, she joined SD Eibar, a newly promoted Spanish Primera División side, on a one-year contract. Kgatlana made a significant impact in Spain, scoring crucial goals and displaying her exceptional skills on the field.
Racing Louisville FC
In 2022, Thembi Kgatlana made a move to the National Women's Soccer League once again, this time joining Racing Louisville FC. However, she faced an unfortunate setback due to an injury. Tearing her Achilles tendon during the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, she missed the 2022 NWSL season. Nevertheless, she made a successful return to the field in 2023, continuing to showcase her talent and making valuable contributions to Racing Louisville FC.
Thembi Kgatlana International Career
Thembi Kgatlana has been a crucial player for the South African women's national team, representing her country in various international competitions.
Notable Achievements with South Africa
- She represented South Africa at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she made history by scoring her country's first goal ever in the tournament.
- Kgatlana played a key role in the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations, where she won the Player of the Tournament award and became the highest goal scorer.
- On August 2, 2023, she secured a historic victory for her country by scoring the winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Italy during the last group stage match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This landmark win marked their country's first-ever triumph in the competition and propelled them into the knockout phase.
Thembi Kgatlana Career Stats
As of May 17, 2023, Thembi Kgatlana's career statistics showcase her exceptional performances for various clubs in different leagues and competitions.
Overall, throughout her career, Kgatlana has made a total of 71 appearances and scored 24 goals in league matches, with an additional 4 appearances and 2 goals in cup competitions and 6 appearances and 4 goals in continental tournaments, bringing her career total to 75 appearances and 30 goals.
Her remarkable performance and goal-scoring prowess have solidified her reputation as one of the standout players in women's soccer.
Thembi Kgatlana's impressive international career includes 71 appearances for Banyana Banyana, the South Africa women's national team. During her time representing her country, she showcased her goal-scoring prowess, netting a remarkable 23 goals. Her contributions have been vital in elevating Banyana Banyana's standing in the world of women's soccer and have solidified her status as one of the team
Thembi Kgatlana Honors and Awards
Thembi Kgatlana's skill and talent have earned her numerous accolades, including being named CAF African Women's Footballer of the Year in 2018. She has also received awards for her outstanding performances in the COSAFA Women's Championship and the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations.
Benfica
- Taça da Liga: 2019–20
International
- COSAFA Women's Championship: 2017
- Africa Women Cup of Nations: runner-up 2018
Individual
- CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations Best Player: 2018
- CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations Top Scorer: 2018
- CAF African Women's Footballer of the Year 2018
- CAF African Goal of the Year: 2018
- Cyprus Cup Best player 2018
- COSAFA Women's Championship Player of the Tournament: 2017
Thembi Kgatlana net worth
Thembi Kgatlana has achieved significant financial success throughout her career. As of the latest estimates, her net worth is valued at an impressive $2.5 million. Her wealth is primarily derived from her successful soccer career, where she has excelled at both club and international level.
As she continues to rise in her career, it is expected that her net worth will grow further. Endorsement deals, sponsorships, and other lucrative opportunities may come her way as her popularity and influence in the soccer world continue to increase.
Thembi Kgatlana personal life
Thembi Kgatlana is known for her open and candid approach when it comes to her relationship and sexuality.
On November 13, 2022, Thembi delighted her followers by sharing heartwarming wedding photos featuring her wife, Abongile Dlani.
The caption accompanying the post, “She that finds a wife is blessed! 🙏😍,” strongly hints at their marital status, although they have yet to openly discuss their marriage.
The couple's journey began during their college days when they both pursued their passion for soccer at the same university.
After a long and cherished romance, they sealed their love with vows in 2022, transitioning from soccer buddies to lifelong partners, marking a remarkable journey of love and companionship.
Despite her remarkable success and achievements in the world of sports, Kgatlana remains down-to-earth and connected to her roots.
Coming from a humble family background, she carries the values instilled in her by her upbringing, which have likely played a significant role in shaping her character and work ethic.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 weeks ago
