The Banyana Banyana are gearing themselves for a tough game against the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the fourth and final round of the year 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers. South Africa defeated Tanzania 1-0 in Mpumalanga last night to advance to the last round of qualifiers 4-0 on aggregate. The Banyana Banyana will face their bitter rivals, Nigeria in a two-legged affair in April.
In yesterday’s encounter coach Desiree Ellis made four changes to the team that started in the first leg in Dar es Salaam last Friday. Four regular players Lebohang Ramalepe, Hilda Magaia, Kholosa Biyana, and veteran Noko Matlou started on the bench and both teams couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half which ended with no goals at all. At the start of the second half, Ellis made two substitutions that favored the hosts and changed the game’s complexion Brilliant free kick Star player Thembi Kgatlana managed to score the only goal of the match after a brilliant free kick.
Coach Ellis says they deserve to advance to the next round after scoring 3 goals in the away leg. “You can not go to the Olympics if you don’t get beyond this round, but as you say, we did a lot of work, and today we just wanted to put on a good performance for the crowd because they came in their numbers to support us, which was really great. Not having played in Mbombela in a very, very long time, it was great to see the fans coming out.
We were happy with the outcome but you know there is still a bit of rustiness here and there and you know we created a lot of opportunities, perhaps making better decisions in the final third, but we were never really threatened at all.”
Beyond the Olympics
Coach Ellis is already looking further into the Olympics by gradually bringing in talented youngsters to the team, Lesego Nkoana replaced the injured Kholosa Biyana who also came in as a substitute.
“Lesego coming in as cover for midfield, we brought her in because we know the quality she has and I’m so sure she was very fearful but assisted us in moments to get forward played, some quality and lovely through balls, you know, But the free kick, we only practiced it last night and it didn’t come off and it was very fantastic, you know. Coach Cameroon putting in that free kick and us scoring from that free kick was very great because we really had a couple of opportunities, but like I said, very proud of the team.”
Forward Jermaine Seoposenwe believes that Banyana Banyana will have to perform at their best in the next round against Nigeria, who are currently ranked number one. “Next game, a known opponent, a tough opponent as part of the Olympics. It’s going to be tough, and I think with the players returning as well, the likes of Bambanani, Refiloe our captain, I think it’s going to boost our squad and make us stronger. But we’ve had great outcomes against Nigeria the past couple games, but we can’t lay on our laurels, we have to work hard, we have to put in the work and make sure that we get the outcome that we are looking for.”
Big milestone
The game against Tanzania marked a big milestone for Seoposenwe. She became only the 10th Banyana Banyana player to collect 100 caps for the senior women’s national team.
“It’s a privilege, it’s an honor to be part of the national team for such a long time. I think not a lot of people get to join the club, but I’m privileged and honored to be here, Thank you to my teammates, the staff, SAFA, and everyone that’s been involved in my journey up until this point. It’s been a long one—14 years but I have achieved that and I’m grateful to everyone that has been part of my journey.”
Nigeria booked their place in the final round after beating Cameroon 1-0 in Abuja on Monday. The first leg against Nigeria will be played on April 1st, with the second leg to be played in South Africa on the 9th.
