President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has led the charge in congratulating the triumphant Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana for becoming the first South African national team – female or male – to book progress into the second round of a FIFA World Cup tournament.
The African Champions lived up to their billing of Queens of the Continent as they came from behind to knock out favourites, and tough as teak Italy from the 2023 global women’s football showpiece in a heart-stopping 3-2 victory at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
The fightback started after the Europeans were handed a penalty, firstly through pressure that resulted in own goal and restored parity at half time.
Then Desiree Ellis’s charges took the lead through Hilda Magaia but gave away the advantage a short while later. .
They were not to be denied, however, as Thembi Kgatlana pounced in optional time to send the South African fans – both at the stadium and watching from home – into a frenzy, registering a famous first World Cup win, more so against an opponent they were facing for the first time.
The result earned them an historic spot in the round of last 16, joining Morocco, Nigeria, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Japan, Spain, England, Denmark, Netherlands, USA, France, Jamaica, and Sweden and Colombia.
Millions of South Africans on social media joined President Ramaphosa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, SAFA President, Chairman of the Premier Soccer League in congratulating the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana.
Here is what they said:
President Cyril Ramaphosa:
“Congratulations to Banyana Banyana on your victory against Italy and securing our spot in the final 16. You have lifted our spirits and made us immensely proud. Bring the cup home.”
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa:
“Banyana Banyana have done it! What a performance. This is a historic moment for South African football. This is a historic moment for women’s sport in the country. Round of 16, here we come.”
Dr Irvin Khoza: PSL Chairman:
“The Banyana Banyana victory answered the question “how do you win under such scrutiny and pressure?” The answer is consciousness – you need to be conscious all the time. There is simply no place to hide, and where there is no place to hide, honesty is the only sustainable answer. Well done Banyana Banyana,” said Dr Khoza.
COSAFA
“COSAFA would like to extend our congratulations to Banyana_Banyana after their historic 3-2 victory over Italy at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which has sealed their place in the round of 16. Coach Desiree Ellis and her team have made our region proud and added to Zambia’s maiden World Cup victory against Costa Rica!.”
Dean Somerset: Sasol
“This has been a very electrifying game, we are very proud of the girls and truly all the energy the South African population has invested has been manifested today. As a sponsor we are indeed proud, and I think they played a good brand of football typical of Sasol’s sponsor of Banyana Banyana and we want to wish them well for the Top 16. The girls have done tremendously well.”
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan:
“We would like to congratulate our girls for making history and bringing joy not only to 60 million South Africans, but to the African continent as a whole. Beating Italy, a country ranked several places above us, showed the determination, professionalism and focus of the African champions. While we cherish and celebrate this historic moment, we must maintain our focus as we prepare to meet Netherlands in the second round. It’s anyone’s game now and this Banyana Banyana side has shown they have what it takes to go places.”
Dr Jordaan missed the match against Italy as he was in Australia attending a FIFA Workshop relating to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Bid, along with SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, Bid Chairperson Tumi Dlamini and Bid Lead Russell Paul, as well as the newly-appointed Head of Women’s Football, Romaney Pinnock.
(CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
