Kgatlana: Japan Clash Will Test Banyana

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

Banyana Banyana attacker Thembi Kgatlana speaks to the media team ahead of Japan's test. Photo: © Sasol Banyana Banyana

Thembi Kgatlana, a star attacker for Banyana Banyana and Tigres Femenil, says she enjoys playing in high-profile matches to gauge the team's performance against the world's best nations.

Speaking through Sasol Banyana Banyana's media team ahead of South Africa's first of two international friendlies against Japan in Osaka, Kgatlana stated that playing against the world's fifth-ranked country will provide Banyana Banyana with a clear picture of the team's sharpness and where it needs to improve.


Though friendly games do not carry the same pressure as official tournaments, Kgatlana is convinced that these friendlies are the best way to assess the 2022 Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winners against a top five ranked team in the world.

“I'm pretty excited. And the team is also excited to be playing Japan. We always want to play against the best teams in the world to measure ourselves, to see where the progress is, and how far we can get to where we want to be.

Yes, I love playing friendlies because you don't have the pressure of the results but have time to prepare and plan." Said Kgatlana. 

Banyana Banyana finished fourth in the previous edition of the WAFCON tournament and will undoubtedly aim to advance beyond the semifinals in the upcoming tournament, which will be held in Morocco this winter. The Mohlakeng-born star believes now is the time to fine-tune the team's readiness for the challenge ahead.

"The WAFCON is in a couple of months from now, and it gives us enough time as players as well on how we feel about what the coaches are proposing to us and fit on what the team needs." 

@Lamola_Herold 

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