The Next Kgatlana? Why Majiya Is The Future Of Banyana’s Attack

Banyana Banyana attacker Nthabiseng Majiya says she is focused on improving her game as she continues to draw comparisons with Thembi Kgatlana, following her impressive performances in two recent friendlies against Algeria in Durban.

There is growing buzz and excitement around Majiya, who has shown she can spearhead the attack much like Kgatlana.

With Kgatlana absent for the Algeria friendlies as part of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Majiya stepped up by scoring twice across the two matches.

In the first friendly at Princess Magogo Stadium last Tuesday, she struck a superb winner from the edge of the box. In the second match at King Zwelithini Stadium, Majiya capitalised on a defensive lapse, reacting quickly when Algeria failed to clear their lines and firing into the far corner.

A 2-0 victory was sealed in the dying minutes when Shakira O’Malley reacted fastest to a goalmouth scramble, flicking home her first international goal while the Algerian defence remained in disarray.

“Thembi has been very good—I won’t deny it. She is one of the best,” Majiya told Sportswire.

“But I want to become better every single day to help my team [Mamelodi Sundowns] and the national team.”

When Kgatlana suffered an ACL injury during the 2022 WAFCON triumph in Morocco—sustained in the final group-stage match against Botswana—Banyana coach Desiree Ellis handed Majiya an opportunity. Ellis, who has recently praised Majiya’s growth, was rewarded for her faith as the forward scored on her debut after coming on in the 70th minute.

Despite Kgatlana’s absence, Banyana went on to win the WAFCON for the first time, with Hildah Magaia scoring twice against hosts Morocco in the final.

This year’s WAFCON, originally scheduled for March to April, has been postponed to July and August. Banyana had already spent the whole of February in camp in Polokwane, meaning they will have to restart preparations for the tournament.

Majiya acknowledged the setback but remained pragmatic.

“It was disappointing for us because we had prepared well, and now we have to start again,” she said.

Banyana Banyana will play two friendly matches against Japan ahead of the tournament in Morocco.