By REGINALD KANYANE
The wounded Banyana Banyana will try to redeem themselves when they face Australia in a friendly international match to be played in London next month. This will be historical as the two sides will be crossing swords for the very first time ever.
This encounter comes just days after the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana hosted eight-time Copa América Femenina winners Brazil in two friendly internationals played in Johannesburg and Durban.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said, this match is part of her team’s preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Ellis further said her players will get a chance to test themselves against the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts in a potentially mouth-watering encounter in London on 8 October 2022.
“We are excited to be playing against another top side so soon after facing Brazilians. Australia is the co-host of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. So, this gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge ourselves.
“It is another opportunity for improved performance and for players to raise their hands. We want to thank South African Football Association (SAFA) and SASOL for getting us strong opponents in our preparations for the World Cup. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha said: “We are happy that Banyana Banyana will be travelling to London to participate in another international friendly, where they will face the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host, Australia.
“Australia is currently ranked 12th in the world and we know they are a formidable team that will push our squad to dig deeper, even though is a friendly match. Banyana Banyana needs all the game time possible ahead of the World Cup – we know that coach Des and the technical team are working tirelessly to ensure the players are well prepared.”
Mbatha said they will continue to encourage the team to seize every opportunity presented to them and wish them all the best. She said Banyana Banyana will play their hearts out knowing that all South Africans are behind them.
Banyana Banyana had an eventful 2022 as they became WAFCON champions after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the continental tournament final in Rabat in July.
Ellis was named Women’s Coach of the Year at the 2022 CAF Awards also in July. It was the third consecutive time that she has won the award.
Andile Dlamini won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award, while Banyana Banyana was named the National Women Team of the Year. To put the cherry on top, Ellis’ charges were also named the Fair Play Team.
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