Banyana Banyana co-captain Andile Dlamini reckons they can challenge any team given the quality South Africa’s women’s national team has under the tutelage of Desiree Ellis.
Coach Ellis is looking to assemble a team that can put up a good showing at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.
And the highly-rated shot-stopper, Dlamini, is confident that Banyana are on the right track ahead of the eagerly-awaited World Cup.
The 2022 CAF Africa Women’s Cup of Nations [WAFCON] champions were recently crowned the Turkish Women’s Cup Group A winners after thrashing Uzbekistan 3-0 and went on to play a 1-all draw with Slovenia.
And right now, one can say Banyana are one of the teams to watch at the 2023 World Cup.
The three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Ellis, is slowly assembling a squad that could spring more than a few surprises.
BANYANA BANYANA CAPABLE OF CHALLENGING ANY TEAM
“I know that we are capable of doing more. Looking at the fact that we just played one game before we traveled [to Turkey] with the majority of the squad playing in South Africa and the rest in Europe and some of them are doing their pre-season,” Dlamini told the media.
“So, it was fantastic a camp and I think we are capable of challenging any team.”
THE FEELING IN THE CAMP
The 2022 WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament further explained the mood in the camp was on high spirits as everybody is looking at the bigger picture [the World Cup].
“Firstly, the World Cup is the bigger picture. Everyone wants to see themselves in the squad, so you need to work hard,” she added.
“For now, one needs to focus on preparing themselves and work as a team to make sure you make it to the final squad.
“So, you don’t think far ahead, you must think here first and work towards that level.
“And when you get there, then you know that this is the bigger picture. And this is what I want to do and achieve.”
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