Thembi Kgatlana: Banyana Banyana Star Leaves US for a New Club in Mexico in Record Deal

• Thembi Kgatlana has dumped the US National Women's Soccer League for a new challenge
• The Banyana Banyana forward has joined a new club in the Mexican Women's League
• The former Atletico Madrid attacker sent a farewell message to Racing Louisville fans

Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana has left the US National Women's Soccer League for a new club in the Mexico women's league in a record deal.

The South African forward has been with Racing Louisville since leaving Spanish Women's league side Atletico Madrid in 2022.

The Banyana Banyana star, during her short spell with the NWSL side, scored twice and made two assists in 16 games.

Racing Louisville released an official statement on their website to confirm Kgatlana's move to the Mexican side, UANL Tigres. They also stated the deal was the second-highest transfer fee in NWSL history for a player leaving the league for a foreign side.

What is Thembi Kgatlana’s salary, how much is she worth, and how old is she?

Football

"Wishing the best of luck to Thembi Kgatlana as she begins a new adventure in Mexico!" the club stated.

"She's joining UANL Tigres for the second-highest transfer fee in NWSL history for a player departing the league for a foreign club."

The former Benfica forward sent her farewell message to the club and fans after her record move was confirmed, according to a report by iDiskiTimes.

"While my time at Racing Louisville was short-lived, I am truly thankful to the fans and the people of Louisville for their support," she said.

"The affection and experience I received at the club will always be a big part of my life and career. I am sure we will cross paths again in the future."

Kgatlana officially proposed to long-time girlfriend

Sports Brief earlier reported that Banyana captain Kgatlana formally proposed to her long-time girlfriend, Abongile Dlani, in a heartwarming fashion as the South African international shared a clip showing the moment she went down on one knee to ask for her partner's hand in marriage.

The unique and memorable moment was witnessed by a handful of family members and well-wishers, who were left emotional by the romantic occasion.