Banyana Banyana will have a mountain to climb when they face Sweden on Sunday, 23 July in their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener at Wellington Regional Stadium, but Desiree Ellis‘ charges seem to know what to do to trouble their opposition.
The game between South Africa and Sweden will kick off at 7:00 [South African time].
The prestigious tournament officially commenced today when the hosts New Zealand faced Norway. The game ended in a 1-0 scoreline in favour of New Zealand.
Speaking to the SAFA’s media department, Banyana forward Hildah Magaia revealed what they must do to defeat Sweden on Sunday.
South Africa are pitted in Group G alongside formidable nations such as Argentina, Italy and Sweden.
HILDAH MAGAIA ON WHAT BANYANA MUST DO TO BEAT SWEDEN
Magaia believes that going into the showdown with the right attitude and positive mind will give them the courage to dent Sweden despite their FIFA ranking.
“I think we should go there with a positive mind and positive energy obviously so that we do not take our spirit down,” said Magaia.
“And also, not be threatened by them being in higher ranking. That’s what we can possibly do so we are able to gain the confidence going into the game and not be intimidated them.”
The ‘Breadwinner’, as she is popularly known within the football circles after guiding Banyana to their first-ever WAFCON title in Morocco last year, admitted that she has emotions heading into Sunday’s game, but she is looking forward to it.
“There is a lot of mixed emotions honestly. I’m kind of nervous and at the same time I’m looking forward to the tournament. I’m looking forward to the first game to see how it feels to play at the bigger stage,” she added.
However, the star striker is determined to continue with her WAFCON fine form to help SA excel at World Cup.
“The motivation I take from the WAFCON is just the continuation of what we did. We will up the intensity of pace a little bit higher because the stage is not the same,” concluded Magaia.
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