In scenes reminiscent of their return from Morocco at the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa of Nations last year, but on a smaller scale, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana received a heroes’ welcome when they returned to their team hotel in Wellington, New Zealand.
The squad had done just done what some thought was impossible –defeating their much-fancied opponents Italy 3-2 in a pulsating end-to-end match.
Both Italy and South Africa were alive to the possibility of progressing to the round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – but there was only one spot remaining as Sweden had already used up the other ticket in Group G.
And it was evident from the start that the two sides wanted it badly – but in the end it was Banyana Banyana that got over the line first, after a hard-fought battle – thanks to a Thembi Kgatlana goal in referee’s optional time.
At the sound of the final whistle – which took longer to come for the African Champions, but was too quick for the Europeans – there were tears all over the field at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
The Italians were inconsolable after been knocked out by a team they were meeting for the first time ever, while the South Africans were in seventh heaven with song dance the order of the day.
Afterall, they had just created history – getting their first victory in a FIFA World Cup, which was enough to see them seal their passage to the next phase of the tournament – further extending their stay Down Under, while Italy was heading home.
At their hotel, a sizable crowd had already gathered long before Banyana Banyana returned from playing and winning perhaps their most important match.
As soon as the bus carrying them drove in, a guard of honour formed by the many fans who were waiting for them.
The fans seized the opportunity to pose for photos with their heroes who were all smiles and full of joy after pulling off the carpet under the feet of the Italians who had opened the scoring as early as the 11th minute.
An own goal settled matters before Banyana Banyana took the lead through Hilda Magaia, only for the Europeans to put the celebrations on hold with an equaliser.
But the 16th ranked Italy could do nothing when Thembi Kgatlana struck late in the match and Desiree Ellis’ charges held on for a famous victory.
The supporters, most wearing South African colours, had no care about the other hotels guests and increased the volume of the songs, which were accompanied by a lot of dancing.
The scenes were of pride, with songs being belted at the top of the voices.
“Thank you South Africa,” said goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, “thank you for your support and for believing in us. Let’s do this again, we are not done yet.”
Banyana Banyana players and the staff members joined in the moment and briefly enjoyed the celebrations before retiring to their rooms while the party continued around the lobby late into the night.
The African Champions will be hoping for more of this when they return from their meeting with the Netherlands in the round of 16, which will be played at the Sydney Stadium on Sunday, 5 August (04h00 SA time).
(CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
