The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana makes a return to the Mpumalanga province after an absence of 11 years.
They last took on Mozambique in an international friendly match in the Land of the Rising Sun in 2013 under the tutelage of Head Coach Joseph Mkhonza.
This time around they will enter the province as reigning African Champions and have two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments behind their belt – all under Desiree Ellis.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Lydia Monyepao, gives insight into what led to the decision of taking the match to Mpumalanga.
“The team belongs to the people, I think you’ve seen many games Banyana Banyana have played in Johannesburg and people have asked when are we getting Banyana Banyana to the different provinces, so we thought it is best that the team is rotated, just like we’ve seen with Bafana Bafana having played in Durban. Also, you’ll see more of the two teams going to different provinces so that we ensure that the fans in those different provinces get to engage with the teams, they get to support the teams, they’re behind the teams, I think that’s quite important because both teams – Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana – belong to the nation,” said Monyepao.
But there is also another crucial reason…
“From the advice that was given by our chief medical officers in terms of climate, it will be in favour of Banyana Banyana more playing in Mbombela. So, the conditions have to favour us more than anything. And the last time Banyana Banyana played in Mpumalanga I was actually their Team Manager, so I think it’s been long coming that Banyana Banyana get to play in Mpumalanga and other provinces that will follow after. We also want to take this opportunity to wish Coach Desiree and the entire team all the best in the upcoming matches,” added Monyepao.
Banyana Banyana’s long time and proud sponsor, Sasol, wished the team well in their all-important mission as they try to qualify for their third Olympic Games after London 2012 and Rio 2016 – both with the petroleum who have been in partnership since 2009.
“Sasol is fully behind Banyana Banyana and will be cheering for the team in the two matches against Tanzania. I just want to extend a heartfelt congratulations for the members of the team who have been chosen to represent all of us, including your number one supporter and sponsor Sasol. I would also like to wish coach Desiree Ellis and her technical team, as well as the players, all the best for the upcoming qualifier against Tanzania. We are 1000 percent behind you,” said Nozipho Mbatha – Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship.
Also present at the press conference was SAFA President Danny Jordaan who recently returned from his travel with Bafana Bafana in Cote d’Ivoire.
“We wish Banyana Banyana all the best. It’s going to be a difficult game, but we believe in this team. They have shown over a period of time that they can produce when the pressure is on. We saw it in Morocco, in Rabat, in the WAFCON final. We are defending that title, but for now we are focusing on the Olympics, a very important competition,” said Dr Jordaan.
Banyana Banyana and Tanzania face off in the first leg on Friday, 23 February at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam starting at 15h00 (SA time) – the East Africans are an hour ahead.
The South Africans return home the next day (Saturday, 24 February) and the return match will be played on Tuesday, 27 February at the Mbombela Stadium, the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue in Mpumalanga.
Kick-off is at 19h30.
By Matlhomola Morake
