Banyana Banyana has secured another high-profile international friendly in preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to take place in Australia and New Zealand.
Desiree Ellis’ charges will take on Australia in a friendly international scheduled to be played in London on Saturday, 8 October 2022.
The much-awaited mouthwatering showdown will be the first time Australia faces an African nation in a match outside of the FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympic Games.
This comes after Banyana suffered an overall 9-0 defeat to Brazil in two international friendlies recently played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday, 2 September, and at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Monday, 5 September 2022.
ELLIS REACTS…
“This is very exciting news, and another opportunity to play against a top nation,” the three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year told SAFA media.
“Australia are the co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. Coming so soon after playing against Brazil, gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge ourselves.
“It is another opportunity for improved performance and for players to raise their hands.
“We are really excited. We say thank you to SAFA and SASOL. They said they would get us opponents to prepare for the World Cup and what a start to our preparations. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game.”
Meanwhile, Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship, added: “We are happy that Banyana Banyana will be travelling to London to participate in another international friendly where they will face the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host, Australia.
“They are currently ranked 12th in the world, and we know they are a formidable team that will push our squad to dig deep, even though this is a friendly match.
“Banyana Banyana needs all the game time possible ahead of the World Cup – we know that Coach Des and the technical team are working tirelessly to ensure the players are well prepared.
“We will continue to encourage the team to seize every opportunity presented to them and wish them all the best. May they play their hearts out knowing that we as South Africans are behind them all the way.”
