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Banyana Superstar Showered With Love During Homecoming

Banyana Superstar Showered With Love During Homecoming

Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Thembi Kgatlana.

Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana was greeted by dozens of fans after making her return home following a stellar World Cup campaign.

Check it out!

What's the story?

As a standout performer at Banyana's Women's World Cup campaign in New Zealand and Australia, it comes as no surprise that Kgatlana received plenty of love during her homecoming.

The attacking ace took to Instagram to share a heartwarming video of fans singing her name as she was driven through what appears to be her hometown.

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Let's take a closer look...

Kgatlana's homecoming 

It's safe to say that Kgatlana is Banyana's biggest goalscoring threat had an absolute stormer at this year's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

The 27-year-old scored two goals in the tournament against Argentina and a dramatic winner against Italy to progress with Sweden from a tricky Group G.

Despite a 2-0 loss in the round of 16 to the Netherlands, she still managed a dazzling display that certified a memorable World Cup tournament under Desiree Ellis' team, which she captained in Refiloe Jane's absence.

Kgatlana was one of three Banyana players to arrive home from the World Cup at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday evening and shared wholesome footage of her arriving to what seems to be her hometown of Mohlakeng in Randfontein. 

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Kgatlana's homecoming must have been an emotional one as she revealed after Banyana's dramatic win over Italy that she played in the wake of a heartbreaking family tragedy.

"Over the last two weeks, I've lost three family members," said Kgatlana during her post-match interview.

"I could have gone home but I chose to stay with my girls. Because that's how much it means," added Kgatlana who was also playing in the World Cup as a comeback from a torn Achilles tendon that cost her 10 months on the sidelines in 2022.

Scroll through the Thembi Kgatlana gallery:

Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Them
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Thembi Kgatlana.
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Them
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Thembi Kgatlana.
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Them
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Thembi Kgatlana.
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Them
Banyana Banyana and Racing Louisville forward Thembi Kgatlana.

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