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2nd August 2023
04:58pm BST
South Africa's group stage hero that scored the goal to secure their qualification to the knockout stages of the women's World Cup has opened up on the difficulties she has faced during the tournament.
Thembi Kgatlana scored a stoppage time winner in the 3-2 victory against Italy on Wednesday as they won a game at the major tournament for the first time in their history.
But while it's been a historic celebration for the country, Kgatlana revealed that while playing in Australia and New Zealand she has suffered the loss of three family members but chose to remain with the squad.
"We got alot of criticism, but this is football. It's about who wants it most," she said.
"Over the last three weeks I've lost three family members.
"I could've went home but I chose to stay with my girls."
Kgatlana only returned to football in May after spending the entirety of last season out injured after suffering a ruptured achilles in July last year.
South Africa will face the Netherlands in the round of 16 of the women's World Cup on Sunday.
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