Thembi Kgatlana’s performance in the 2-1 win over league-leading Portland Thorns earned her the Bud Light National Women’s Soccer League Player of the Week award.
Kgatlana’s winning goal in the comeback victory was certainly a highlight, and it marked her first goal since returning from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she had a successful run with the South African national team.
In that game against Portland Thorns, the Banyana Banyana forward was a standout player, taking eight shots with three on target and making 12 touches in Portland Thorn’s penalty area.
She also played a key role in winning possession back for Racing Louisville in the opponent’s defensive third, which helped generate scoring opportunities for her team.
The 27-year-old made her Racing debut earlier in the year after recovering from an Achilles injury sustained at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the setback, she has managed to make an impact on the field.
Racing Louisville and Kgatlana have another important match coming up in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals against OL Reign at Lumen Field in Seattle.