Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and midfielder Kholosa Biyana have raised concerns about the heat in central Africa ahead of their Olympic qualifier match against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Banyana will cross swords with the Léopards dames in the 2024 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier first-leg clash at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Upon landing in the capital and despite the torrid heat, Ellis said her side is prepared for the game and ready to get the job done in the first leg.
“it’s very hot here [Kinshasa] as I had predicted, but we are ready and looking forward to the game,” Ellis said.
“Since it’s an away leg, we just need to make sure we start really well and get a good result away from home, so that we make our home game next week a bit easier.”
The African champions missed out on the last quadrennial global showpiece having fallen short to rivals Botswana when they lost 3-2 on penalties.
They ultimately did not take part in the 2019 Olympic Games in Japan.
All eyes on Olympic Games
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies midfielder Biyana said the players are revved up to make amends and secure qualification to the upcoming Olympic Games in France.
“We didn’t qualify for the last one [2019 Olympics] and it was a very sad moment for us,” Biyana said.
“You can imagine how we are feeling now because most of the players that were there are still in the team.
“So, for everyone that is here, securing qualification is a box that we need to tick, because we have been at the Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] and the [2023 Women’s] World Cup.”
For Ellis and her charges, the plan will be to secure a positive result away from home and then complete the job in the return leg at Orlando Stadium on Monday.
Kick-off is at 4.30pm (SA time).
