The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana are well aware of what they need to do to get into the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup currently underway.
The South Africans are facing a wounded Italy side that was put to the sword by a rampant Sweden, the latter winning 5-0.
Desiree Ellis’ charges will meet Italy on Wednesday, 2 August at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Sweden has already qualified for the next round, while the Italians are sitting on three points, with Banyana Banyana and Argentina tied on one each.
South Africa is on the brink of history as a win over Italy, and a favourable result in the Sweden vs Argentina fixture will see them enter the round of 16 for the first time ever.
“We know what we are going to do and how we are going to prepare for the Italy game, because this is one moment for us to rise, one moment to make history and one more moment to get the win we so deserve in this tournament. We are up for it but we know it aready,” said Ellis after the squad’s training session at Porirua Park.
“It’s a final for us, I can’t think anything beyond that. We believe we can get the result to get us to the next stage, but we have to leave everything on the field. We must take the opportunities when we get them but also not concede as it will set us back. The first 20 minutes will be very crucial.”
Thembi Kgatlana, who missed training on Monday as she was not feeling well, was back on the field – but there was still no captain Refiloe Jane who is still being monitored after not finishing the clash against Argentina, this after she sprained her ankle.
While the team’s medical report has all but cleared her, there is still no indication when she will join her compatriots at training with the final session on Tuesday (1 August) for final preparations against Italy, a team she knows very as she is on the books of Sassuolo in Italy.
With Jane racing against time to be fit for the crucial clash, Ellis says there will definitely be changes with the playing personnel – more so because they will not have defensive midfielder Kholosa Biyana who picked up two yellow cards in the last two matches.
“There will definitely be changes, we are training for every eventuality, I think that is very important to make sure we get the desired results, as this be a cherry on top because this team is playing so well,” added Ellis.
“But also, this is the World Cup, we want to have that consistency and continuity and not make too many changes. We need to get the combinations going and not disrupt the rhythm – and that is important at a big tournament like this because the turnaround time is too short to do anything unless there is an injury or illness,” said the three-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year.
The Capetonian also conveyed her message of gratitude to the supporters back home. Due to a 10-hour time difference, South Africans have had to be up in the early hours of the morning to watch the team playing live in New Zealand.
“Thanks to South Africa for rising early, we are disappointed ourselves that we did not give them the results they were looking for. Thanks for the messages, we really appreciate them. We are going to give our all in this game as we want them to be proud of us and smile,” said Ellis.
(CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
