Johannesburg- The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National team, Banyana Banyana will be without the services of captain Janine van Wyk for their international friendly match against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 12 April at Dobsonville Stadium. Kick-off is at 13h30. 

Van Wyk will miss out due to a knee injury but the player believes the team has what it takes to challenge the Zimbabweans in the build-up to the African Women’s Championship (AWC) qualifiers.

“This is exciting as it is our first official game this year and everyone is looking forward to this game. We have learnt new things with the coach over the past few weeks we’ve been together and this game is a means of gauging how far we are as a team and how much work still needs to be done in preparation for the AWC qualifiers,” said Van Wyk.  

Sasol Banyana Banyana have won two games in six encounters against Zimbabwe since 2011 and will be looking to impress the coach as she assembles the squad that will take on Comoros in the CAF African Women’s Championship qualifiers.

The Banyana Banyana captain said she was disappointed not to be part of the match against Zimbabwe but also cautioned against complacency.

“It’s disappointing not to be training fully with the squad but everyone has been working hard and we will be looking for a win against Zimbabwe on Saturday. Comoros are raked 123 in the world and that’s 71 places below us. We mustn’t take this lightly but take each game as it comes and play to be the best,” said Van Wyk.

The ninth edition of the CAF African Women’s Championship to be hosted by Namibia in October will see three top finishers represent the continent at the FIFA Women’s Cup Canada 2015.

Kolokotoane Mathabo Maria from Lesotho will be in charge of the friendly encounter against Zimbabwe, she will be assisted by fellow nationals; Polotso Maapara and  Puleng Agnes Mahono. South African referee Akhona Zennith Makalima will sit in as the fourth official and Nkalimeng Makhube from Lesotho has been appointed the match commissioner.

Sasol Banyana Banyana vs Zimbabwe since 2011:

09/07/2011 Banyana Banyana vs. Zimbabwe Harare (COSAFA) 0 – 1 (Loss)

05/09/2011 Banyana Banyana vs. Zimbabwe Mozambique (AAG) 4 – 1 (Win)

22/12/2011 Banyana Banyana vs. Zimbabwe Harare (Unity Cup) 0 – 3 (Loss)

13/10/2012 Banyana Banyana vs. Zimbabwe Dobsonville (IF) 1 – 0 (Win)

31/07/2012 Banyana Banyana vs. Zimbabwe Daveyton (IF) 0 – 0 (Draw)

15/06/2013 Banyana Banyana vs. Zimbabwe International Friendly (Home) 1 – 1 (Draw).
-TDN
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