President Ramaphosa Wishes Salgado Speedy Recovery
Banyana Banyana forward Gabriela Salgado has received well wishes from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following a serious injury sustained during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final against Nigeria on Tuesday.
Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday, just a day after the incident at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The winger was stretchered off late in the second half after an accidental collision during Banyana Banyana’s 2-1 defeat to the Super Falcons.
She remains in the hospital for recuperation and will rejoin the team upon her release, flying back home with Banyana Banyana next week.
“Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca,” confirmed Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr. Lindi Mokoena.
“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF, and the hospital. We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.”
The entire Banyana Banyana team visited Salgado at the hospital on Tuesday night after her condition had been stabilized.
Messages of support continue to pour in, with President Ramaphosa leading the tributes. “Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria,” read a statement from President Ramaphosa.
“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well.”
Banyana Banyana had a rest day and will return to action on Thursday to finalize preparations for their final match of the tournament. They will face Ghana in the third and fourth place play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium (21:00 SAST) on Friday in Casablanca.
“Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa’s defending champions, and Nigeria’s breakthrough in referee’s optional time proved this,” the President’s statement continued.
“We are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champs. We wish Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday’s dream home final for the host nation.”
