Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is positive ahead of their last preparation game against Costa Rica on Saturday, before the much-anticipated 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup commences in Australia and New Zealand next week.
Banyana will kick off their Fifa Women’s World Cup campaign against tournament favourites Sweden in their Group G opening encounter on July 23.
The reigning Women’s African Cup of Nations (Wafcon) champions had an unprecedented World Cup send-off, after clashing with the South African Football Association (Safa) over bonuses.
The dust was, however, settled by both the Motsepe Foundation and Ithuba National Lottery, who donated R8-million towards player bonuses.
Speaking after the team’s training session, Desiree Ellis said the mood in the camp is positive and the friendly match will be crucial in preparing for their all-important opener game against Sweden.
“It was good to get on the field and get some work done. Everyone looked enthusiastic and that was fantastic,” said Desiree Ellis.
“We really tried to get as many touches on the ball as we could with the training sessions that we did, and we were happy with that.
“With the jet lag I think slowly but surely, it’s getting better. It is another top team, a Fifa Women’s World Cup bound team. Their preparations are similar, they are playing African countries and I think that’s why they chose us to play. A lot of our game will be based on what we will do against Sweden,” said Desiree Ellis.
The game against Costa Rica will be a fine contest for the African champions, as they have a South American opponent in Argentina, forming part of their tough group.
Banyana will be making their second appearance at the Fifa Women’s World Cup finals and will be eager to stamp their authority at a global stage and make it out of the group stages for the first time.
Kick-off time is at 4am (SA time).
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