SAFA confirm Banyana Banyana’s next international friendly

Banyana Banyana will face Australia in an international friendly to be played in London on Saturday, 8 October.

This marks the first time ever that Australia’s women’s national team will face an African nation in a match outside of the FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympic Games. 

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Confirmation of the encounter comes just days after Banyana Banyana were humiliated by Brazil in two international friendlies where the 2022 Copa América Femenina winners won 3-0 and 6-0 in Johannesburg and Durban, respectively.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said she was excited to be playing against another top side so soon after facing the Brazilians.

Australia are ranked 12th in the latest FIFA rankings with Banyana Banyana in 54th place.

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BANYANA COACH ELLIS DELIGHTED TO FACE AUSTRALIA

“This is very exciting news, and another opportunity to play against a top nation,” Ellis told www.safa.net.

“Australia are the co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. Coming so soon after playing against Brazil, this gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge us. It is another opportunity for an improved performance and for players to raise their hands.

“We are really excited. We say thank you to SAFA and SASOL. They said they would get us opponents to prepare for the World Cup and what a start to our preparations. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game.”

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Banyana Banyana have had an eventful 2022.

They became WAFCON champions after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the continental tournament final in Rabat in July.

Ellis was named Women’s Coach of the Year at the 2022 CAF Awards, also in July. It was the third consecutive time that she has won the award. 

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Andile Dlamini won the Goalkeeper of the Year Award while Banyana Banyana walked away with the National Women Team of the Year.

Ellis’ charges also won the Fair Play Team to crown an award-winning year both on and off the field.

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