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Banyana players in training.
The South African women’s football team is grateful for the opportunities to play warm-up matches ahead of the defense of its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title in Morocco in July.
Previously, there was an outcry from the team to bemoan a lack of opportunities ahead of major events.
Banyana are in camp in Pretoria preparing for their friendly international matches against Botswana and Zambia over the next week or so. And captain Refiloe Jane, who just returned from a long injury lay-off, says the team is grateful for the warm-up matches.
“Over the years there was a challenge of not fully preparing for big tournaments, but now things have changed and thanks to SAFA for making sure that each and every FIFA window we get to play friendly games and tournaments. So, that gives us a bit of time to gel together and give coaches time to see other players. So, we try and use the games we are getting so that by the time Wafcon comes we are fully ready,” sats Jane.
The 22-player squad is a blend of experience and youth, while some players make a welcome return from an assortment of injuries.
Coach Desiree Ellis says the warm-up matches will give them an opportunity to test players ahead of the grueling Wafcon tournament in Morocco.
“We are more here in testing players, and giving them opportunities and sometimes when you are doing that, you don’t get the results you want, but it’s also about the performance because it’s about being ready for Wafcon. It will test us with some of the players coming back from injury, and what value they can still add, and also with the new ones if they can raise their hands,” says Ellis.
The team also boosts overseas-based players such as Jermaine Seoposenwe, Amogelang Motau and Hidah Magaia.
Mexico-based Seoposenwe says they will use the friendly matches to iron out any remaining flaws.
“We are basically trying to work on our disadvantages of a team and get better at our mistakes and get better as a group. We know it will be tough going to Wafcon as the defending champions, but we have to take that in our stride and go and defend our title,” she says.
Banyana will play against Botswana on Wednesday and Zambia next week Tuesday. Both matches will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, kicking off at 3 PM.
