Having missed out on the Olympics four years ago, Banyana Banyana will be on a mission to set one foot into the upcoming 2024 Olympics that will be held in France when they tackle Tanzania in a double header for a spot in the last round of qualifiers.
Banyana will take a short trip to Dar es Salaam to lock horns with Tanzania in their first leg third round encounter at the Azam Complex Stadium on Friday afternoon at 3pm.
Coach Desiree Ellis is set to announce her final squad for the crucial home and away fixtures tomorrow morning.
Banyana last made an appearance at the summer games at the Rio Olympics in Brazil in 2016. But the team missed out on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Having featured at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games, Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini said it will be imperative for the team to qualify and inspire young players.
“It’s very important for any senior player to be a motivator in the team and to also inspire and raise awareness of how big the competition is,” Dlamini said.
“The Olympics are totally different because top countries go there to compete for the Olympic medal, and being an Olympian is great, so getting there you need to be mentally focused.”
The return leg between South Africa and Tanzania will be played at Mbombela Stadium next Tuesday at 7:30pm.
