A resounding send off for Banyana to the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2019 in France
Banyana Banyana were given a resounding send-off ahead of their first ever participation in the Fifa Women's World Cup which is set to kick off in France on 7 June and runs until 7 July.
A total of 52 matches will be played by 24 women’s football teams from six confederations that have qualified for this edition of the prestigious international tournament to be hosted in nine cities across France.
The women’s cup has been dominated by the United States since the inaugural tournament in 1991, with three titles under their belt and is the current defending champions. Only Nigeria and South Africa qualified to represent the continent of Africa in this August showpiece
Send off activities for Banyana at the Nike Stadium in Pimville, Soweto, saw 22 teams participating in mini soccer games. Some of the teams were captained by the legend of the game Portia Modise and hip-hop artists, Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Sho Madjozi. The artists also took to the stage with electrifying performances to celebrate their passion for football.
Banyana’s qualification for the tournament has captured the hearts of the nation and has cast a light on women’s football on the continent. As women’s football continues to grow in popularity globally, Africa is beginning to carve out its niche with local players such as Linda Motlhalo going abroad to ply their skills.
It is undeniable that qualifying for the World Cup tournament is a pivotal moment for South Africa and can only inspire other young girls and boys onto the football field. Janine van Wyk will captain the South African team and vice-captain will be popular Sowetan, Refiloe Jane.
“It’s exciting to share such a moment with our country, knowing that we have this kind of support is all the encouragement we need to push our hardest at the tournament,” said Van Wyk, who plays for her own club, JVW Ladies which plies its trade in the Sasol Women’s League.
Banyana has had a great year with some of the players making big moves internationally, including Jane who now plies her trade at Canberra United Ladies in Australia and a few of her compatriots are in the United States and some Sweden.
Banyana are now a force to be reckoned with in African women’s football after they came within a whisker of winning the Women’s African Cup of Nations (Afcon 2019) tournament after being beaten by Nigeria in the final.
Their coach, Desiree Ellis, won the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Women’s Coach of the Year award as she was recognised for the major role she had played in building the SA squad.
“I’m proud of how far these players have come, they’ve worked really hard,” said Ellis. “As we get into this world-class event we remain focused and we hope to make South Africa proud. The tournament is really where you want your team to be and I’m sure they will do their best.”
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