Ex-Banyana Banyana striker Khabo Zitha has offered her insights on the state of the women’s national football team.
The national team has enjoyed a good run in the past few years. Firstly, they defied all odds as they were crowned 2022 WAFCON champions in Morocco.
A few months ago, they reached the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 which was hosted in Australia and New Zealand.
This time around they have another opportunity to participate in another big tournament; the 2024 Olympics set to take place in Paris, France in July. However, it will be a mountain to climb as they face DR Congo in the qualifiers.
The 2024 CAF Women’s Olympics qualifier first leg ended as a 1-1 stalemate in Kinshasa last week. On Monday the two teams will battle it out again in the return leg at Orlando Stadium, Soweto.
KHABO ZITHA ON BANYANA BANYANA’ PROGRESS
According to Zitha, the women’s national football team is on the right track and heading in the right direction.
“I think we are on the right track, with Banyana. I’m happy we now have the opportunity to take part in big tournaments such as the Olympics,” Zitha told FARPost.
“We need to qualify first before we can say much. Last time we failed to qualify and we owe it to ourselves to do good.
“Only if we qualify, it can be a booster for us, they are our voice and advocate for us in women’s football. They play good, it helps in the development doing tournaments trying to showcase the talent.”
ONE THING KHABO ZITHA IS IMPRESSED ABOUT BANYANA
Zitha is also impressed that there seems to be continuity in the team. Coach Desiree Ellis has consistent stars in her team that perform to the best of their ability.
“I’m happy that in the rankings we getting better than other African countries. We have a good team that in any given day can defeat anyone,” Zitha added.
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