Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana has been called up into the official 18-player Women’s Olympic squad to replace the injured Shiwe Nongwanya.
Kgatlana was named as one of the four additional players on standby, who could be ready to step in into the official squad if there was an injury – as is the case now.
She, alongside other additional players – Kaylin Swart (goalkeeper), Nomathemba Ntsibande (defender) and Chantelle Esau (midfielder) – has been staying and training with the team in Brazil as per the tournament rules.
South Africa made a formal request to replace Nongwaya with Kgatlana and it has been approved.
Nongwaya was ruled out of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games due to an ankle injury which sustained in the 1-0 loss to Sweden in the 40th minute. Linda Motlhalo replalced her in the match.
South Africa takes on China tonight (Saturday, 6 August) at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Kickoff is at 19h00 local time (Midnight SA Time).
