'I've lost three family members': Banyana World Cup star reveals traumatic journey

South African women's football team defeated Italy by a margin of 3-2 in the FIFA Women's World Cup and knocked them out of the tournament. The South African women's team finished second in Group G only behind Sweden whereas Italy was placed at the third spot. The 'Banyana' team was able to make a place in the Round of 16 of the tournament with only four points. 

3 things you need to know 

• The United States of America is the current champion of the FIFA Women's World Cup 
• Italy remained just one point short of making a place in the Round of I6 of the FIFA Women's World Cup 
• The final of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be played on August 20, 2023 

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South African women's team striker reveals traumatic story

(South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 match against Italy / Image: AP)

South African women's football team attacker Thembi Kgatlana while speaking in the post-match interview against Italy revealed the traumatic phase she faced during the Women's World Cup 2023. Kgatlana revealed that she lost her three family members in the past three weeks but opted to remain with her teammates. Kgatlana said: 

We got a lot of criticism, but this is football. It's about who wants it most. Over the last three weeks, I've lost three family members. I could've went home but I chose to stay with my girls. 

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Thembi Kgatlana's comeback from injury 

South African striker Thembi Kgatlana came back to the FIFA Women's World Cup after recovering from an Achilles injury. Kgatlana returned to Football action in May this year and played for her local Football club Racing Louisville. Kgatlana scored a much more important goal against Italy which proved to be decisive in taking the Banyan team through to the next round of the tournament.  Apart from Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia helped South Africa level the score 2-2 after Italian attacker Arianna Caruso scored two goals for her team in the 11th and 74th minute respectively. 

South Africa will now face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 match of the FIFA Women's World Cup on August 6, 2023, at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.