June 27, (THEWILL) – South African senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, will participate in a friendly international match against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium in the East Rand, on Sunday, July 2.
This match serves as a send-off for Banyana Banyana as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next month. Complimentary tickets have been made available at the venue and the general public, who are interested in watching the South African ladies take on their Botswana counterparts live, will be able to get free tickets from Thursday, June 29.
During a ceremony held at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane, on Friday, Banyana Banyana Coach, Desiree Ellis, unveiled the final 23-member squad bound for the global football showpiece. The tournament, scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20, will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Banyana Banyana, the reigning champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, will represent the African continent alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and Zambia.
Desiree Ellis expressed her gratitude to the Football Association for arranging the send-off match: “We really want to put up a good performance and again, we urge the fans to come out and really give us a fantastic send-off.” Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager of Group Brand & Sponsorships at Sasol, sponsors of the national female team, was just as enthusiastic for Banyana Banyana’s final friendly match on home soil.
She stressed the importance of such preparations before the Women’s World Cup and encouraged all South Africans to show their support, as the team carries the hopes and dreams of the nation and continent.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
