Basetsana striker Thembi Kgatlana is relishing every chance she gets to represent her country.
Whether it is the national Under-20 or senior teams, the Mohlakeng-born player says it gives her great joy.
“I appreciate each and every chance to represent my country. When I wear the national team jersey, I just feel proud and want to make sure I make everyone proud,” said Kgatlana.
“Playing for the national has been one of my greatest achievements thus far. Not everyone gets an opportunity to play for their country and I’m glad I got that chance and grabbed it with both hands.
“I feel so honoured to be playing for both the senior team and the Under-20 side. “
Kgatlana, like many other female soccer players, started kicking a ball with boys in the streets.
Before joining a local team called Napoli FC, which Orlando Pirates skipper Oupa Manyisa and midfielder Roger Majafa played for, growing up she knew she wanted to pursue a career in football.
“Soccer has been the one thing that often got me in trouble. No one ever fancied the idea of me playing soccer with the guys, but it was all for the right reasons.
“My parents were worried about my safety, especially hanging around with the boys.”
The striker says she gets her inspiration from Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise, who has done magnificently for football in the country.
“I always looked up to Portia. She’s one of the best female soccer players in the world. I believe her achievements will forever be cherished.
“We, the next generation of women soccer players, have to build on the foundations she and other female soccer players have laid for us.”
Basetsana take on Nigeria in the second leg of the final round of Fifa Under-20 World Cup qualifiers at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa today.
Kgatlana says it would be great for the team to qualify for the global tournament and follow Vera Pauw’s Banyana Banyana, who booked a spot at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“That is a perfect scenario, both teams qualifying and playing in big tournaments; it would be very good for the country. We believe we can do it and everyone in the team is ready for the clash,” said the University of Western Cape player.
Basetsana go into this game having lost the first leg 2-1 a week ago in Abuja. They need to be at their best and beat their nemesis if they are to book a spot at the World Cup to be hosted in Papua New Guinea.