'No deeper issues' but Thembi Kgatlana’s absence laid bare Banyana’s title defence

The absence of Thembi Kgatlana was glaringly felt during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finishing in Morocco this weekend, where South Africa's national team, Banyana Banyana failed to defend their title.

The 83-times capped striker, known for her remarkable goal-scoring capabilities, left a void that the team struggled to fill throughout the tournament.

Signs of Kgatlana's absence became evident in the group stage during Banyana’s second group match against Tanzania, when the defending champions failed to secure a victory, ending in a surprising 1-all draw.

The inability to convert opportunities highlighted a critical gap in the squad, as Kgatlana's offensive threat was sorely missed.

Even in the subsequent quarter-final clash against Senegal, which Banyana won on penalties, the team showcased their attacking prowess but could not find the back of the net in regular and extra time.

Time and again, the South Africans prised open Senegal's defence, yet with no one possessing Kgatlana's finishing skills, they failed to capitalise on their chances.

The culmination of the team’s struggles became most apparent in the semi-final, where they faced Nigeria, the tournament's nine-time champions. In a tense match that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, Banyana ultimately fell short, leading to their elimination from the tournament.

Following this heart-wrenching defeat, Kgatlana took to social media to clarify her absence. Initially rumoured to be dissatisfied with the South African Football Association's (SAFA) treatment of the women’s national team, Kgatlana revealed that she had decided to take a break not only from her national duties but also from her club, Tigres in Mexico. She added: "There is no deeper story".

With Kgatlana’s announcement, it became clear that her absence was a personal decision, but the repercussions on the team’s performance were felt deeply.

Former Banyana captain Portia Modise said there should have been urgent dialogue with Kgatlana once it became known that she was withdrawing from the national team. Modise believes that Kgatlana’s presence is not just vital but irreplaceable.

Modise, a world class goal-poacher herself during her well-documented playing days, stated emphatically that the absence of Kgatlana was palpably felt in the Wafcon matches.

Modise’s remarks resonate with both fans and sports analysts who have been tracking the performances of Banyana with keen interest.

With more tournaments on the horizon, the presence of a player of Kgatlana's calibre could prove instrumental in navigating the challenges that await the senior national women's football team.