Thembi Kgatlana not entertaining 'retirement village' talk when it comes to Banyana Banyana
Following criticism of Banyana Banyana's squad age after their Wafcon exit, star forward Thembi Kgatlana pointed to icons like Marta to defend the role of senior players.
Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana has refuted claims that the national team is like a retirement village, urging for a balance between experienced and youthful players. The team advanced to the World Cup Play-off Tournament, having missed qualification for the 2027 global event. Coach Desiree Ellis kept 16 veterans on the roster after their semi-final exit in the Wafcon.
Kgatlana, 30, compared the criticism against senior players to Brazilian legend Marta, who remains active at 40. Kgatlana emphasized that blending experience with youth aids the transition when senior players retire. She shared her learning from veteran players, like Portia, during her career. Despite Banyana's poor run at Wafcon, the team is optimistic to secure a spot in the World Cup, aiming to repeat their success from 2019 and 2023.
The squad plans to regroup and prepare for the Olympic qualifiers against Morocco, followed by the crucial play-offs.
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