Banyana Banyana have their work cut out ahead of their friendly match against European champions England in Coventry on Tuesday October 29.
South Africa suffered a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of 12th ranked Denmark on Friday and will face an acid test against England, who are ranked second globally.
Desiree Ellis’ side withstood pressure in the first half to record a goalless draw in Aalborg on Friday but the floodgates opened in the second half, with the tactician admitting her charges panicked once the goals started going in.
They will need to be confident at Coventry Building Society Arena on Tuesday to avoid another embarrassing result against Sarina Wiegman’s team which has some of the world’s top players.
South Africa’s big loss in Denmark was also blamed on the absence of some of their superstars but they have been boosted by the arrival of Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia and Sinoxolo Cesane in camp.
Head-to-head
England and South Africa last met in February 2010, when the European side won 1-0, in the Cyprus Cup tournament.
Form guide
South Africa had only lost one out of six matches prior to the defeat in Denmark, being a 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in April, having won three while drawing two.
However, the big loss to Denmark was a reality check for the African champions who have a tough task against England, who suffered their first loss in a year when they went down 4-3 to Germany in a friendly match on Friday.
The Lionesses had won four straight matches since losing 3-2 to Belgium in a UEFA Nations League match in October 2023 but found the going tough against fourth-ranked Germany.
Team news
Banyana Banyana have some of their big hitters Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia and Sinoxolo Cesane available for the clash in Coventry and they took part in training on Sunday which should boost their confidence.
Wiegman, meanwhile, named a strong squad that has Aston Villa’s Lucy Parker, recalled for the first time in a year, while Lotte Wubben-Moy and Lauren James also made a return after missing July’s qualifiers with the Republic of Ireland and Sweden due to injury.
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse retained her place in the squad while Aggie Beever-Jones and Jessica Naz remained after impressing in the summer, having moved across from the WU23s.
What have they said?
The “Breadwinner”, Magaia is looking forward to the big challenge against England.
“We are always up to the challenge as a team and we are happy that as the champions of Africa, we will be facing the champions of Europe. We will be bringing the experience we have acquired over the years, but most importantly, we want to play our football against England and not chase them,” said Magaia.
“We are looking forward to a very competitive match. It will be highly intense, both physically and psychologically. But this is the level we see ourselves on as Banyana Banyana and we want to continue living the impossible.”
Time & where to watch?
The match will kick off at 21.45 (SA time) at the Coventry Building Society Arena and will be live on SABC.
