Racing Louisville has signed South African star Thembi Kgatlana from Atlético Madrid through the 2023 NWSL season with a club option for 2024.
Kgatlana is set to arrive at the club after featuring for South Africa at the Africa Women Cup of Nations, which concludes on July 23.
“We were looking for a winger/forward who has a good first touch and is not afraid to dribble and attack – and we have found exactly that with Thembi,” Racing coach Kim Björkegren said in the news release.
“What’s also important to us is that we signed not just a good player but a good teammate. Thembi always has a smile on her face and loves football, and she is ready to help the team as soon as she arrives in Louisville.”
The figure is no stranger to the American league, having featured for the Houston Dash in 2018. Kgatlana has also previously seen spells in China, Portugal and Spain, most recently spending this past season with Madrid. She managed seven goals and three assists in 28 appearances for Madrid, inspiring the team to reach the Supercopa Femenina final.
“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to return to the NWSL with Racing Louisville,” Kgatlana said in the news release.
“It has always felt like there is unfinished business for me in the league, and I can’t wait to get started. From the moment I spoke with Kim, it was clear that it is an exciting project. I joined Beijing BG Phoenix shortly after he had left and heard only good things, so it was an easy decision. I look forward to seeing everyone after the Cup of Nations!”
South Africa currently leads Group C standings, defeating Nigeria and Burundi to dominate. Kgatlana has started in both matches, and opened up the scoring in the 3-1 triumph over Burundi.
Overall, the forward has been an integral part of her national team. She’s contributed 22 goals in 63 appearances, including the team’s first World Cup goal in 2019.
