Banyana stars reflect on their time in Australia and New Zealand
Banyana Banyana stars Hildah Magaia and Noko Matlou have spoken for the first time since returning to South Africa on Tuesday, 8 August, after their participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The pair were the first members of the Banyana squad to arrive in the country together with their co-captain Thembi Kgatlana.
This comes after SAFA confirmed that the Banyana squad will return home in different groups on separate days this week.
Another group is expected to land in the country today, 9 August, with the final group set to return on Thursday, 10 August 2023, to a heroine’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport.
Banyana were eliminated from the prestigious tournament after a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands. The game took place at Sydney Football Stadium this past Sunday.
As a result, Desiree Ellis’ troops failed to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.
South Africa advanced to the World Cup round of 16 following their 3-2 historic win over Italy. This was Banyana’s first-ever World Cup victory, having made their World Cup debut back in 2019.
HILDAH MAGAIA AND NOKO MATLOU SPEAK FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER THE WORLD CUP EXIT
The two players expressed their delight to have been part of the SA Squad that made history at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“Each and every one of us is proud,” said the country’s ‘Breadwinner’, Magaia. “We went there with the mandate of qualifying for the Round of 16, and we did that.
“So, it is a proud moment for all of us. We picked up injuries [in the last game against the Netherlands], and it really killed our morale in the game. These things happen in football.”
Meanwhile, veteran defender Matlou reckons that her side did everything in their power to progress to the quarter-finals, but luck was just not on their side.
“It is not by mistake that we won WAFCON last year,” added Matlou. “We went to the World Cup, and we wanted to give our best, and we did our best.
“We went to the knockout stages and were unlucky to lose to the Netherlands in the Round of 16.”
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