Celebrations outside OR Tambo International Airport ahead of Banyana Banyana's arrival back in SA after winning the 2022 Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Picture: Neil McCartney
South Africans are giving the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations soccer champs a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport.
Dozens of fans dressed in cheerful sports regalia braved the cold weather to give the title holders a warm welcome from their successful Moroccan safari.
Banyana Banyana made history as the first women’s soccer team to bring home a continental title after their match against Morroco.
The players are set to receive R8.2 million, equal to R400 000 per player, from the South African Football Association for their win.
@thecitizen_news A group of supporters outside the airport ahead of Banyana Banyanas return to SA after winning the 2022 African Cip of Nations recently. Video – Neil McCartney
♬ SHIMMY SONGTRADR 30 HIT WONDER – Artist manager manager
@thecitizen_news Supporters at OR Tambo international airport ahead of Banyana Banyanas arrival back in SA after winningvthe African Cup of Nations. Video Neil McCartney
♬ MI CHIQUITA – Alexander McCabe
Banyana’s challenge now is to make more of an impression on the global game.
At their first World Cup appearance in 2019, they put up a decent show in an extremely tough group, containing Germany, Spain and China, with a quite wonderful Thembi Kgatlana strike even giving them a lead against Spain. But Desiree Ellis’ team ultimately lost all three matches.
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Still, Banyana will have learned from the experience, and will go into the World Cup with their confidence given a huge boost by this continental success.
South Africa will also hope for a more favourable draw for next year’s World Cup, when their name is pulled out of the proverbial hat on 22 October in Auckland.
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