Gabriela Salgado during the Banyana Banyana Training at UJ Ackland Park.
The last two Wafcon tournaments in Morocco were not kind to Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado. But should she make coach Desiree Ellis’ final squad for the upcoming continental showpiece this month, she is hoping the third time is a charm to help the team achieve their targets.
A versatile player who can slot in as a wing-back or a No. 9, Moodaly-Salgado is a coach’s dream. Ellis must have felt she hit the jackpot when the player broke into the national setup a few years ago.
However, tragedy struck ahead of the 2022 tournament, with an injury ruling her out of the showpiece. Her Banyana Banyana teammates wore their hearts on their sleeves, representing the country with pride as they went on to win their maiden African crown.
An elated Moodaly-Salgado still joined the team in celebration upon their return to OR Tambo International Airport, despite being heavily strapped in a moon boot during her recovery.
