Banyana Banyana Prepare to Face European Champions England in Friendly Clash

by Selinda Phenyo
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By Sello Masilo

Coventry, UK — The South African national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, arrived in Coventry, United Kingdom, on Saturday night, ready to take on European champions England in an international friendly on Tuesday, 29 October 2024. The team’s arrival followed a day of travel from Aalborg, Denmark, where they recently faced Denmark in another preparatory friendly match.

The Sasol-sponsored South African side is using this European tour as preparation for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, scheduled for 2025. Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis emphasised the importance of the match, viewing it as an opportunity for her squad to test their skills against top-tier competition. She noted that playing against high-calibre opponents like England helps Banyana Banyana gauge their progress as they aim to defend their continental title next year.

The Banyana squad features prominent players, including Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Sinoxolo Cesane, and Hilda Magaia, who joined the team upon arrival in the UK. Their match against England, to be held at the Coventry Building Society Arena, is expected to attract South African fans residing in the UK, adding a home-like atmosphere for the African champions.

This friendly comes after Banyana’s previous encounter with England over a decade ago, when they lost 1-0 in the 2010 Cyprus Cup. England, who are also regrouping after missing out on the 2024 Olympics, are expected to field a strong lineup, making this a challenging test for Ellis’s side.

In addition to football, Banyana Banyana’s journey also underscores the support from South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol, which has been instrumental in securing high-profile matches that allow the team to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion. As both teams prepare to bounce back from recent disappointments, this friendly is set to be a significant stepping stone in their respective journeys toward international success.

This friendly is more than just a match; it’s a statement of Banyana Banyana’s determination to solidify their place on the global stage. With growing support from both local and international fans, the team hopes to showcase their growth and readiness for WAFCON 2025 in Morocco.


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