By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
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.
Kgatlana has been with Racing Louisville since leaving Spanish Women’s league side Atletico Madrid in 2022.
With the deal, the South African superstar will earn a salary of $550,000 (R10 million) per year for her three-year stint at UANL Tigres, according to the sources.
As the deal marks the largest transfer fee in Racing’s club history, it also includes a sell-on clause of five percent if Tigres were to transfer Kagtlana.
The deal reportedly sees the Liga MX outfit pay $ 275,000 [R5 million] to Racing Louisville.
Additionally, Racing will also pocket another $25,000 if Kgatlana scores 20 or more goals within her time at the club.
Kgatlana returned to the NWSL in May 2023 following an achilles injury and went on to play in 14 games and scored two goals. Kgatlana drove Racing to new heights as the forward scored the game-winning goal in September to lead Louisville to a 2-1 win against the Portland Thorns and was eventually recognized as the NWSL Player of the Week.
“While my time at Racing Louisville was short-lived, I am truly thankful to the fans and the people of Louisville for their support,” Kgatlana 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.”
A message from Thembi Kgatlana to the fans: Thank You! ? pic.twitter.com/br6zRr0QZL
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) December 20, 2023
At an international level, Kgatlana also made history with South Africa this summer at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the forward scored the game-winning goal in the final moments of stoppage time to lead Banyana Banyana to their first World Cup win and to the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
Although Racing concluded the 2023 season in ninth place, Tigres recently wrapped up their season as the 2023 Liga MX Femenil Champions for the sixth time in club history under head coach Mila Martínez.