Banyana’s Salgado focussing on World Cup after Wafcon sorrow

It was a disappointing moment for Banyana Banyana winger Gabriela Salgado to have missed the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) back in 2022 due to a collarbone injury, a tournament which the team eventually won.

ALSO READ: Kambala impressed Polokwane City technical team

Not being part of the Banyana team that made history last year and watching her teammates celebrate the Wafcon victory was a bittersweet moment for the JVW FC player.

“I was happy for the team, I really was. Seeing them play so well and go on to win the Wafcon was a great achievement for women’s football in the country. But, I was just disappointed that I was not part of the team in Morocco. I really wished I was there and helped the team achieve what they have achieved,” said the winger.

“But now it’s all in the past. Injuries are part of the game and I learnt that. I just had to focus on recovering and getting back into the national team. I am happy that I managed to do that and now I am part of the World Cup squad. It’s great being with the team. This is my first World Cup and I am looking forward to making the best out of it. I want to see us doing well and I really think we will be able to compete against the best teams in the world.”

ALSO READ: Maritzburg trust Dlangalala to bring them back to the top table

Salgado is currently with Banyana in New Zealand as they continue their preparations for Fifa World Cup .

The team has a friendly match against Costa Rica on 15 July prior to the start of the tournament.

Banyana are in Group G at the World Cup and their opening group game is against Sweden set on 23 July. They face Argentina five days later and then play Italy on 2 August.