Two local Banyana Banyana stars have taken another quantum leap to take their soccer craft to dizzy heights.
Thembi Kgatlane of Mohlakeng and Linda Mothlalo of Brandvlei are set to play in the USA for the Houston Dash football club, in the National Women’s Football League (AWFL). They will leave South Africa on 8 March 8, en route to the USA.
Thembi will be emulating the late legend Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe who also played in the USA and Canada .
Coincidentally, Thembi lives in Mohapi Steet in Mohlakeng, which is near Leeuw Street, where Ntsoelengoe grew up.
Ntsoelengoe played for the Minnesota Kicks in the USA and furthered his skills with Toronto Blizzard in Canada.
Pastor John Matome of Hope in Christ Ministries in Mohlakeng Extension 4, who is an ardent soccer fanatic and former coach at Gustav Football Club paid tribute to the two stars when he went out of his way to donate sports apparel to them as a form of blessing during the send off.
The duo will be travelling to the USA with Banyana Banyana captain, Janine van Wyk.
They were both recently at a camp for the national team and did duty for the country at the Cyprus Women’s Cup.
“I am more than moved by this gesture of goodwill from Pastor Matome. It clearly shows that there are members of community who care and have a sense of appreciation. So far, he is the only one who has gone the extra mile to show his appreciation,” Thembi said.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/randfontein-herald/268286/soccer-legends-honour-dr-diale/
In response, Pastor Matome said, “This is to thank Thembi for going all out to organise a tournament last year. Most of all she did not forget where she comes from. The tournament is one way of ploughing back into community, despite limited resources.”
Pastor Matome also praised Thembi for setting a precedent that will be followed by others in soccer, as they do their bit to develop soccer skills among the youngsters.
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