The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana has been to two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Rio 2016, but missed out on Tokyo 2020, when they were knocked out by neighbours Botswana in the second round of the qualifiers.
It’s been eight years since their last appearance at the global tournament, led by former Head Coach Vera Pauw, when current mentor Desiree Ellis was the assistant.
A lot has happened since then – there was the Covid-19 pandemic, Banyana Banyana won the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and also played in two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments: France 2019 as well as Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Going back to the Botswana loss that broke the heart of the South Africans – it was on a Tuesday night (3 September 2019) at Orlando Stadium in Soweto that their dream to make it to Tokyo evaporated.
They had failed to defeat The Mares of Botswana over two legs – with both matches ending in a goalless stalemate.
The visitors marched to the next round following a 3-2 penalty shootout victory – Refiloe Jane and Mamello Makhabane had their spot kicks saved, while Lebohang Ramalepe shot wide. Only Leandra Smeda and Bambanani Mbane found the back of the net.
Fast forward to 2024 and the South Africans are back on the road to qualify for the Olympic Games which will take place in Paris this year, from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August.
Eight of the players that lost against Botswana are in the current Banyana Banyana squad on assignment in Dar es Salaam and will want to wipe off that disappointment with a win when they face Tanzania to enhance their chances of qualification:
- Andile Dlamini
- Lebohang Ramalepe
- Jermaine Seoposenwe
- Kaylin Swart
- Noko Matlou
- Hildah Magaia
- Kholosa Biyana
- Noxolo Cesane
Midfielder Biyana is among the new crop of players that haven’t tasted the Olympic Games spirit.
She has been to two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and also won the WAFCON but is missing the Olympic Games experience.
“Most of the players that did not qualify for the last Olympic Games are still here, I was also there (when we were knocked out), it was a very sad moment, and we don’t want to go through those emotions again. So, we are doing our best and making sure that we try and qualify for the Olympics, it is the only box that most of these players haven’t ticked so it is important that we qualify,” said Biyana.
The South Africans are already in Tanzania for the first leg third round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifier scheduled for Friday, 23 February in Dar es Salaam at 15h00.
The reverse fixture will be played on Tuesday, 27 February at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, with a 19h30 kick off.
“We have one goal, which is to qualify for the Olympics. It’s going to be a tough one (against Tanzania), but we are looking forward to it. We have grown together as a team if you look at the things that we have achieved in the past three or four years. We have been doing so well, so it’s important that we tick the last box, which is going to the Olympics. Two more games to go then the final round,” added Biyana.
The Tanzania clash will be Banyana Banyana’s first match of 2024 and the players are adamant they have to put their best foot forward.
“This is the first match of the year, so it’s going to be exciting one, a couple of new players in the squad as well so getting to know them and also trying to integrate everyone back into how we want to play, and understanding the responsibility that we have. I think if we’re going to stay at the top of Africa we have to continuously qualify for major tournaments so that we are tested every year – but it’s also important for us to get back there (Olympic Games) we haven’t been there in a while,” said Seoposenwe.
“A lot of players haven’t experienced an Olympics so it’s important for the development of the team, the growth of the team, and also the new players coming in they need to experience those big tournaments for them to understand their responsibility and what it means to play at those levels and how it tests you, and to continue to make strides forward and grow as a team together and to stay at the top of Africa it’s super important for us.“
From the 2016 squad that featured in Rio, only six players remain in the current team to face Tanzania, carrying the hopes of the nation to help South Africa return to the big stage:
Part of the 2016 squad in Brazil:
- Andile Dlamini
- Linda Motlhalo
- Jermaine Seoposenwe
- Lebohang Ramalepe
- Thembi Kgatlana
- Noko Matlou
The additional member of that squad is goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who was on standby at the time.
Matlou is the only survivor from the London 2012 Olympic Games.
After being lifting the continental trophy, the Africa Champions know that all the teams are out to get them.
“Everyone wants to come in and beat us because we won the WAFCON and we are regarded as basically the number one team so it’s always so much responsibility, so much pressure but I know the team is determined to win and to return with great results. We look forward to the game, we look forward to Tanzania coming out to try and beat us, we are at their home so it’s going to be a very tough game, tough encounter, but I know the team is going to come through and do what we normally do,” added Seoposenwe.
Banyana Banyana are expected back home on Saturday, 24 February to continue preparations of rthe Tuesday fixture.
By Matlhomola Morake
