African players abroad Kgatlana eclipses Benni McCarthy’s record in Spain

South Africa women’s national football team striker Thembi Kgatlana has eclipsed Benni McCarthy as the top scoring South African footballer in Spain.

Kgatlana has scored 10 goals in her debut season in the Spanish Primera Division Femenina with SD Eibar.

In doing so, she has overtaken McCathy who scored eight goals while playing for Celta Viga.

Kgatlana also provided six assists, according to a statement from La Liga Southern Africa office.

Speaking from Eibar in a virtual media conference, Kgatlana said:  “I looked up at Benni’s 8 goals at the beginning of the season, now he is looking up to my 10.

To emulate a player such as Benni and to succeed in the Spanish league is amazing. Benni was a beast of a player in his prime and I am glad I am following in his footsteps in the right way.”

Kgatlana added: “Being in Spain is amazing. I’ve travelled everywhere in the world, but playing in Spain I’ve recorded my best ever statistics as a professional footballer. I am more comfortable in Spain, because of the way we play at Eibar. The club allows me to express myself and to be creative, while also becoming more of a team player.”

Kgatlana celebrated her success by giving away two of her SD Eibar jerseys as part of an online #GoThembiGo campaign which attracted South Africa’s celebrities such as actresses Mapaseka Koetle-Nyokong, Lunathi Mampofu, SuperSport anchor Carol Tshabalala.

A statement quotes LaLiga Southern Africa Managing Director, Marcos Pelegrin, saying he was proud of Kgatlana’s achievements in Spain.

When she moved to Eibar we were all very happy. Now to see her performing at such a high level in one of the toughest leagues in the world, is amazing. She is making us very proud,” he is quoted saying.

LaLiga Southern Africa organised the press conference in partnership with the South African Football Journalists Association.


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