Coach Desiree Ellis and Banyana Banyana will be the centre of attention as they take on Brazil in what could be a big test as they prepare for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The South African women’s national team have been hard at work preparing for the two friendly internationals against the South American side, and coach Ellis has stated that the mood in the camp is on a high.
The first match will take place at Orlando Stadium on Friday, September 2 and then face off in the second encounter three days later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The kick-off for both clashes is scheduled for 18:00.
“We got to camp on Monday, had our first training session on Tuesday and today we will have our final training session, which is match day -1. We are really excited as a team. We asked for good preparation [ahead of the World Cup], and we are really grateful to SAFA and Sasol for starting us off with such a fantastic team,” the three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year told SAFA media.
“They are a top team, won the Copa América Femenina, a lot of their players play for big clubs abroad, and they have a top coach who has coached all over the world. So I think it will be an exciting game.
“It will be a big test for us, and that is what we want, especially after WAFCON, to test the players and see where we are at. We are expecting the crowd to come out. We have played for a long time without any fans, and we hope that the fans will come out and support us in this game.”
Pia Sundhage’s side received a rousing welcome from a group of South African fans upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday afternoon.
The two nations are using these friendlies to prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s a very big game tomorrow, and it’s also my birthday. The preparations have been going quite well, the spirit is very high, and we know this is the beginning of work for Banyana Banyana with regards to our preparations for the 2023 FIFA World Cup. What a way to start against Brazil, tough opponents who are champions. We are looking forward to performing against them. We will do our best and let God do the rest,” she added.
