Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana was criticised for not sharing the ball as much as she should, so now captain Janine Van Wyk believes her contribution in the team has been overlooked.
There was a strong feeling that Banyana did not deserve to lose their opening group game at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup against Sweden, not only for conceding in the last minute to lose 2-1 but given some big chances they could not turn into goals.
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Even against Argentina, Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis suggested that they had dropped two points because of a number of chances which could not be converted.
Kgatlana has been in the centre of those created chances, where her decision-making had been questioned.
However, Van Wyk says the Racing Louisville striker does so much more off the ball, in her high press, and that she remains key to Banyana scoring goals.
"Of course, I think our key player is Thembi Kgatlana, not because she's fast and scores goals, perhaps people would question her decision-making in the final third entries," Van Wyk said on SABC's Soccer Zone.
"But she also produces a high press for our team that really puts the defenders under a lot of pressure, which helps us a lot.
"I think many of our goals especially against Argentina came from counter-attacks, quick transitions, those final third entries," she added.
Banyana will play their final Group G game against Italy on Wednesday morning.
Ellis' charges need to win and hope Argentina don't get maximum points against already qualified Sweden in matches that will be played simultaneously.
Banyana are bidding to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
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