Banyana to get World Cup send-off match, Opponents confirmed

Banyana Banyana will face Botswana in a friendly international to be played at Tsakane Stadium, in the East Rand, on Sunday, 2 July 2023.

The match will be used as a send-off for the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team as they prepare to travel to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next month.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis announced her final 23-member FIFA Women’s World Cup-bound squad at a glittering ceremony held at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest house in Tshwane on Friday (23 June 2023).

BANYANA BANYANA GETS A SEND-OFF MATCH

The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July – 20 August 2023.

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Ellis said she was looking forward to the match against Botswana which will be the team’s last on home soil.

“We just want to thank the Football Association getting us a send-off match. We know it has been a difficult task, we are really grateful and we ask the fans to come out in their numbers to support this team and to give us a fantastic send-off. We look forward to playing the match and we thank Botswana as well for coming forward to play this send-off match, added the Banyana mentor.

“It’s a huge match for us, the last match before we leave the shores of South Africa. 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,” Ellis told www.safa.net .

Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand & Sponsorships at Sasol, shared her excitement about Banyana playing their final friendly game on home soil, against South Africa’s neighbours, Botswana, as part of the preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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“As the leading enabler of women’s football in South Africa, Sasol wants to ensure that the players have opportunities to prepare adequately for the various tournaments, including the upcoming Women’s World Cup.

“We believe that the encounter against Botswana will help the players gauge their readiness and know what to still work on before they depart for Australia and New Zealand. We know that Sasol is not alone in our support for Banyana Banyana, as this team carries the hopes and dreams of 60 million South Africans. We invite all South Africans to come out and support Banyana Banyana at the stadium and remember, your support gives them the energy to perform.”

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