Walter Steenbok: ‘It is part of our bid for the FIFA World Cup 2027’

SAFA technical director Walter Steenbok has revealed how Banyana Banyana’s success at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup could benefit the Association’s bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

This comes after SAFA have revealed their plan to bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World which has since received major support from the South African government. 

This year’s women’s FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 until August 20. 

Desiree Ellis’ charges are pitted in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina. 

Steenbok divulged that Banyana are “the immediate priority” for the SAFA’s 2023 plans, as they want them to do well at the World Cup. 

He went on to note that SA is part of their bid for the FIFA World Cup 2027.

HOW BANYANA’S SUCCESS AT THE 2023 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP COULD BENEFIT SAFA’S BID FOR 2027 FIFA WOMEN’S World Cup

“The immediate priority, for now, is Banyana Banyana. The team has to do well, as we are busy beefing up the team,” Walter Steenbok told SAFA’s media department. 

“We are bringing in the technical advisor. We are bringing in another coach. They are both South Africans, and both highly qualified, and they will beef up the Technical Team. 

“The team has to come out of the group stages at the FIFA World Cup in Australia/New Zealand later this year. 

“It is part of our bid for the FIFA World Cup 2027. So, Banyana Banyana becomes the real main priority for 2023.”

Banyana just returned to South Africa from Turkey as part of their preparations for the eagerly-awaited World Cup. 

South Africa were crowned the Turkish Women’s Cup Group A winners. This is after Banyana humiliated Uzbekistan 3-0 and went on to play a 1-all draw with Slovenia. 

The 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations [WAFCON] champions will continue with their preparations for the World Cup in the next international break in April.

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