Banyana Banyana were caught by surprise when one of the most senior members of their sponsors, Sasol, paid them a visit at their base camp in Wellington, New Zealand.
On the eve of their crucial second group stage match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Argentina, Charlotte Mokoena, the Executive Vice President: Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations at Sasol, took time out of her hectic schedule to wish the team well.
The petroleum company has travelled a long journey in South African Women’s Football, dating back to 2009, and was there for the first official match of Banyana Banyana in May 1993 – with current head coach Desiree Ellis among the first intake.
The bulk of the players in the squad that is in New Zealand honed their skills in the Sasol League – and were able to qualify for two Olympic Games, and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banyana Banyana are ready for battle against Argentina and Mokoena congratulated them for the bravery they showed against Sweden where they went down 2-1.
She assured them of the undying support, not just from Sasol, but from all their countrymen and women – in line with the campaign launched this year in May where South Africans were called to throw their support behind the team, using the plea – ‘South Africa, your energy is our support’.
“You have really become of the most beautiful things to have ever happened to South Africa, to young ladies in South Africa, and you have become a pinnacle of what great sportswomen should be, and what great athletes look like. Often people are always wondering what you are really like, and these are the words I usually use to describe you: brave, courageous, disciplined, professional and extremely matured,” said Mokoena.
“I want you to continue to be exemplary for yourselves, for the young girls that look up to you and most importantly for the flag and for the people of my nation, because right now we look up to you, we follow you. We are hurt when you are hurting, we cry when you are crying. You have shown what you are capable of, you have worked very hard. And for the time that Sasol has been with you, it has been an honour for my company to be with people who end up being what you have become. So we look forward to all the games that are ahead of us, and we know you are going to pitch up the way you usually pitch up, you are going to bring the best of who you are.”
She reminded the team that they came to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as champions and that they remain champions in the hearts of South Africans. Mokoena also applauded the squad for comprehending and epitomising the notion of #LiveTheImpossible.
“I am also bringing all the love I can carry from the Board, the CEO and the Executive, including the 30 000 people that work for Sasol. I bring their love to you and their appreciation of who you are,” added Mokoena, who was in attendance at the first match against Sweden and will cheer the team once again from the Dunedin Stadium against Argentina.
(CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
