Banyana Banyana have returned from the Netherlands after a difficult time on the field where they suffered a heavy defeat against the host nation.
The fifth world ranked country administered a 5-1 victory against the visitors in an international friendly match on Tuesday night (12 April 2022).
But there is a lot of positivity, more so among the sponsors, Sasol.
Group Sponsorship Manager Dean Somerset, who had travelled with the team to Europe, came back full of confidence regarding the road ahead.
Banyana Banyana were using the fixture to prepare for the upcoming Africa Women Cup of Nations in Morocco in July.
Somerset believes it was a great and much-needed exercise for the players and entire team.
“We remain confident that the team is on the right track with preparations for AWCON. They have once again demonstrated their Limitless courage to test their strength and endurance against the European side and we believe this will bear the fruits for the girls going into the continental women’s football showpiece and ultimately the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia in 2023,’’ Somerset told SAFA.net.
He was echoing the words of head coach Desiree Ellis, who believes the team learnt a lot from the loss at the Cars Jean Stadion in the city of Den Haag (The Hague).
Three first half goals and brace in the second sealed victory for the hosts, while Banyana Banyana replied through captain of the day, Spain-based Thembi Kgatlana.
“The score line is not what we wanted to see, but I am confident we have learnt a lot and we know what we need to do going forward – the bigger picture is Morocco and ultimately the World Cup,” said Ellis.
By Matlhomola Morake
