Soccer
Banyana target improved performance against Three Lionesses─── MORGAN PIEK 09:53 Tue, 29 Oct 2024
Banyana Banyana are ready and upbeat ahead of their biggest game in many years when they face the second-ranked England this evening in an international friendly.
The Champions of Africa will look to bounce back from their disappointing 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Denmark in Aalborg last week. The English, in turn, will also have a point to prove following their somewhat surprising 4-3 defeat at the hands of Germany on Friday.
This week South Africa does have the luxury of their overseas-based players such as Hilda Magaia who bring a wealth of experience. Apart from Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo and Sinoxolo Cesane, all linked up with the squad for some necessary experience.
The Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, said playing against a team of England’s calibre is a great opportunity, especially as they continue to build towards their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence.
“What better opponent could we ask for than to play the second-ranked team in the world,” said Ellis.
“The match itself is a motivation to the players, to see that this is the level of quality we as South Africa should be competing against. We will be playing a wounded England who also lost their match on Friday against Germany. Both of us are in a build phase for 2025, so we are looking forward to a good match.
“We are very happy to have our international players in camp as they bring a lot to the squad on and off the field, and their experience will be paramount to how we play.”
Hilda Magaia. Photo: X
Ellis added that they certainly weren’t up to standard against the Danes on Friday and they will be targeting a more aggressive game on the attack as well as on defence.
“We will be looking to solidify our defence, it is the first form of attack, and we will also be looking to go forward more, create more chances, and convert a few, where possible, against England. Our main challenge against big opposition is staying tactically disciplined for the entire match, and this was evident against Denmark where we had a good first half but fell apart in the second. So we will be looking to correct this aspect tomorrow.
“Our players are ready for this challenge, and we are working hard behind the scenes to make sure we meet our internal objectives.”
Thursday evening’s game between the Three Lionesses and Banyana in Coventry kicks off at 21:45.
