Salgado: It Is Genuinely Special

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

Gabriela Salgado during a media briefing at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. 

Gabriella Salgado, a star attacker for JvW Girls Football and Banyana Banyana, has been sidelined since sustaining a fracture of her left leg's mid-shaft in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final against bitter rivals Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. 


The 27-year-old quick attacker has now recovered from a devastating injury and has revealed her rehabilitation path to ShakingInk. 'Gabi,' as Salgado is affectionately known in her inner circle, assured this publication that she is completely recovered and ready to compete.

"The rehabilitation journey hasn’t been easy, both physically and mentally, but it has taught me patience, discipline, and resilience. I’m grateful for the support from my family, teammates, and the medical team throughout the process. I’ve worked hard to get back, and I feel strong, confident, and ready to compete again." Said Salgado.

JvW Girls Football posed a major threat to the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies throne last season. Under the tutelage of club founder and former head coach Janine van Wyk, the Bedford View club finished second in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Salgado believes van Wyk's experience and influence helped The Blue Diamonds compete against the Chloorkop based team.

"Coach Janine has been very influential. Her leadership, experience, and belief in the players really pushed us to grow as a team." Emphasized Salgado. 

Salgado's comeback from injury is a benefit for Banyana Banyana ahead of the WAFCON tournament to be staged in Morocco. Dr. Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana mentor, has named her 38-member preliminary squad to represent South Africa in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA tournament, which will be held in South Africa, and WAFCON in Morocco. Dr. Ellis chose Salgado in her squad, and the Johannesburg-born star admits she was not surprised.

"Honestly, I wasn’t focused on the timing of a call-up. My main goal was to recover well and get back to my best. Being selected is a blessing and a reward for the hard work put into my recovery, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my country again." Salgado said.


Contrary to a popular opinion that the upcoming WAFCON tournament weighs more than the previous editions because it holds the key to the Women's FIFA World Cup. The 2022 continental gold winner insists that all the tournaments are important. Wearing national colors is a very significant privilege.

"This WAFCON is important because it’s a pathway to the World Cup, but every WAFCON carries great importance. Representing your country is always an honour, and the goal is always to compete, perform at our best, and make the nation proud, regardless of the circumstances."

@Lamola_Herold 




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