Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will get another chance to test themselves against top international sides after they secured an international friendly match against 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia.
This historic clash will take place in London next month – it will be the first time the two nations meet outside a tournament, and will be using the game to continue preparations for the World Cup.
The match comes at the back of South Africa’s 9-0 aggregate loss to Brazil in an international friendly match played at Orlando Stadium in Soweto and the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban – Banyana lost 3-0 and 6-0 respectively.
Speaking to www.safa.net South Africa’s head coach Desiree Ellis had this to say:
“This is very exciting news, and another opportunity to play against a top nation. Australia are the co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. Coming so soon after playing against Brazil, this match gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge ourselves. It is another opportunity for an improved performance and for players to raise their hands. We are really excited. We say thank you to SAFA and SASOL. They said they would get us opponents to prepare for the World Cup and what a start to our preparations. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game.”
Ellis is expected to name her travelling squad in the next few days.
Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, shared her view ahead of Banyana Banyana’s trip to London.
“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. They are currently ranked 12th in the world, and we know they are a formidable team that will push our squad to dig deep, even though this is a friendly match,” she said.
“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. We will continue to encourage the team to seize every opportunity presented to them and wish them all the best. May they play their hearts out knowing that we as South Africans are behind them all the way”.
By Matlhomola Morake
