Picture: Banyana Banyana players
By REGINALD KANYANE
21 October 2024 – COSAFA Banyana Banyana assembled in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape ahead of the start of the regional COSAFA Women’s Championship this week. The tournament gets underway on 22 October 2024. Banyana Banyana interim coach, Maud Khumalo, who is in charge of the youthful South African women’s side said she would have welcomed more time with her players.
Khumalo further said, she has to get on with it and prepare for the opening match against Namibia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and kick-off is at 5pm.
“To be honest with you, we do not have enough time. But there is nothing we can do about it. Remember that most of the players that are here were very active in the league.
“I think maybe that’s another reason they felt they’re still active in the league and they’re still in season,” said Khumalo.
She added that the only thing that is left for them as a technical team is to make sure they find the right combinations and also for the players to understand the mandate. Khumalo said she thinks the players that are here are eager to give their best and also show the fans what they are capable of.
“Namibia are a bit of a closed book as they are yet to submit their final squad list. We have seen some clips of Namibia because I remember we played against them last year in the Under-20s to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers at Sturrock Park.
“The challenge is that they have not finalized their squad yet and they just sent a preliminary squad. We expect a tough game against our neighbours and my charges will have to apply themselves fully if they are to emerge victorious,” said Khumalo.
Meanwhile, the host, South Africa were pitted against Namibia, Eswatini and Seychelles in Group A, while defending champions Malawi will fight it out with Botswana, Madagascar and Mauritius in Group B.
Zambia, Angola and Comoros are in Group C, while Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho complete the line-up in Group D.
The Guardian 