Gabriela Salgado’s return gives Banyana Banyana a lift

by nikita.m

For Banyana Banyana, the opening match of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane delivered more than a routine victory. It carried a moment of quiet celebration, a reminder of resilience, and a signal that one of South Africa’s most creative attackers is finally back where she belongs.

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A long road back

Gabriela Salgado’s injury last July during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria was one of the team’s toughest moments. The winger had been in sparkling form in Morocco, only for a serious leg injury to cut her tournament short. For months, her future with the national team felt uncertain.

That is why her return on Wednesday, coming on as a late substitute in Banyana’s 2-0 win over Malawi, felt bigger than the game itself. It was the kind of moment that reminds fans how personal the journey of recovery can be for athletes, especially in a national team that carries so much pride and expectation.

Read more: Banyana Banyana start COSAFA Cup with confident win over Malawi

Ellis reflects on a special moment

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis didn’t hide her joy. She spoke about the significance of Salgado’s return not only for the team but for the player herself after a gruelling rehabilitation process.

Ellis explained that stepping onto the pitch for the first time after such a serious injury can be mentally daunting. Players often hesitate in physical contests or hold back in challenges while learning to trust their bodies again.

But she also noted that Salgado had put in strong work with her club, JVW FC, throughout pre-season, and her readiness showed. For Ellis, the applause that greeted Salgado’s substitution said everything. The team understood the milestone. Less than a year after a devastating injury, she was back in a Banyana shirt, fully fit and smiling again.

Read more: Banyana Banyana shift their mindset as 2027 World Cup dream takes centre stage

Why her return matters

Salgado’s presence adds depth to Banyana’s attack and restores one of their sharpest weapons on the wing. At 27, she is entering the prime years of her career, and her creativity, speed, and ability to open spaces have always made her a standout.

More importantly, her comeback offers a morale boost for a squad preparing for a busy international calendar. With WAFCON and other major competitions ahead, having a seasoned and hungry attacker back in the fold lifts team spirit and restores options for Ellis.

Looking ahead

The COSAFA tournament has often been a proving ground for new talent, a chance to test combinations, and a space for returning players to find rhythm. For Salgado, this is more than a tournament. It is a fresh chapter, one shaped by determination and a deep love for the green and gold jersey.

And for Banyana, it’s a reminder that their journey is filled with stories of grit and comeback moments that reflect the pride of South African women’s football.

Gabriela Salgado is back, and that alone feels like a win.


Read more:Player of the season shockingly left out as Banyana Banyana name 38 player squad

Source: iDiski Times
Featured Image Source: iDiski Times on X