South African Forward on The Cusp of History as Fine Scoring Form Continues in Mexico

South African forward Thembi Kgatlana. Photo: Imago

South African Forward on The Cusp of History as Fine Scoring Form Continues in Mexico

Joel Omotto 21:37 - 22.05.2025

South African captain Thembi Kgatlana could make history by qualifying for two competitions after guiding her Mexican club to the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup.

South African forward Thembi Kgatlana is on the brink of making history as she could become the first player from her country to qualify for both Women’s Champions Cup and the Women’s Club World Cup.

The two are new prestigious tournaments by FIFA who are looking to put women on the same stage with men through lucrative competitions.

Kgatlana continued her good form for her Mexican club Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL) Tigres when she netted the second goal in their 2-0 win over Portland Thorns FC from the United States in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup on Thursday.

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What Is at Stake for Thembi Kgatlana?

Thembi Kgatlana. Photto: Imago

The CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup is the qualifying tournament for both the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 FIFA Club Women’s Club World Cup and Tigres have now booked a place in the final against another American team NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday.

Victory in the final will see Kgatlana and her team-mates win the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup while booking a ticket to the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.

The Banyana Banyana forward scored her team’s second goal in the 27th minute after Aaliyah Farmer had broken the deadlock in the 12th minute and she had opportunities to score two more goals but got denied by the Portland goalkeeper.

Kgatlana has been exempted from South Africa’s upcoming friendly matches against Botswana and Zambia next week to focus on her club commitments and she will hope to be on the winning side in Sunday’s final to make history.