Following an electric performance in a 2-1 win over league-leading Portland, Racing Louisville forward Thembi Kgatlana was voted by fans the Week 18 Bud Light NWSL Player of the Week, the league announced Tuesday.
Kgatlana, 27, scored the game-winner in Racing’s exciting comeback victory, collecting a header from teammate Rebecca Holloway off a corner, cutting to her right and curling a well-struck shot into the net from 17 yards out. It was the first goal for Kgatlana since returning from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she scored twice for South Africa in leading Banyana Banyana to the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.
The South Africa star was a threat all game against Portland, taking eight shots (three on target) while getting 12 touches in Portland’s penalty area. She also won possession back for Racing twice in Portland’s defensive third, engineering a Louisville press and counterpress that generated a number of scoring opportunities.
This year, Kgatlana has two goals and an assist in 12 appearances across all competitions. She made her Racing debut on May 6, 10 months after tearing her Achilles at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Kgatlana and Racing return to action Wednesday in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup semifinals, a 10 p.m. kickoff against OL Reign at Lumen Field in Seattle. The match will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network.
