The South African women’s soccer team, Banyana Banyana, achieved a clean sweep in their two-match international friendly series against Lesotho. The young and inexperienced squad secured a 2-0 victory at the UJ Soweto Campus in Pimville, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
Banyana found their rhythm early in the match, displaying confidence, persistence, and determination. The purpose of these matches against their neighbors was to expose new players to international football and to expand Desiree Ellis’ player base.
The young South Africans did not disappoint at all. They came hungry and prepared for the matches against Mehalalitoe, the beautiful flowers.
Inside the first five minutes, Sibongile Ntoane found the back of the net to put Banyana Banyana in the lead. Occupying the centre of the field for Banyana, were Isabella Ludwig, Mmabatho Mogale and Ntoane, who performed very well, creating opportunities.
Kesha Hendricks, who plays up front, also impressed and must’ve caught the eye of coach Desiree Ellis ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to take place in July.
The COSAFA Women’s Championship’s top goal scorer produced good quality football, attacking impressively which might be what Ellis is looking for in her squad.
Towards the end of the first half, Lesotho had found their feet and created opportunities, but Kabotseng Moletsane made comfortable stops. With seconds left in the first half, Unathi Simayile scored a wonderful goal, taken from a corner kick.
Both teams created chances in the second half but with no luck. Yet, it was a much-improved performance by Banyana compared to the first match. Going forward, Ellis says she is looking forward to seeing how her new charges perform in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
“I am looking forward to Hollywood bet; there’s been a lot of player movement, and I think that’s going to make the league exciting because sometimes you see a player move, you see something different, so I am really looking forward to that. You know new players, new clubs, new players brought up from developments. So, I am looking forward to the season. When you look at the fixtures, there is some spice. I am looking forward to it being the WAFCON year. You will see more players stepping up and they’ll be better for their experience.”
The new season is set to resume soon, and these players will want to impress, with places in the Banyana squad for WAFCON up for grabs.
