SA salutes nation’s heroines Banyana
Hundreds cheer as team land from Afcon
Trumpets and vuvulelas belting out popular football songs such as Umoya Wam’uyavuma were the order of the day when Banyana Banyana touched down at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday. Despite a two-hour delay, hundreds of football maniacs remained patient to ensure Banyana received a heroes’ welcome after finishing as runners-up in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana. They lost to Nigeria on penalties on Saturday. It was evident on their arrival that the supporters were proud of the team’s exploits, where they were the tournament’s top scorers and, in Thembi Kgatlana, produced the event’s best player.
“It was very important for me to come here. I stay in Soshanguve but I came all the way just to give Banyana my heart. Qualifying for the World Cup is huge,” said William Mukwevho, a known Kaizer Chiefs fan. The entire place came to a standstill when Ellis and the girls eventually made their entry to the OR Tambo terminal arrival area. Airport workers and passengers from and to flights seemed tempted to join the singing fans, but could only watch from far in awe.
Predictably, politicians could not miss the opportunity to be in the limelight with real SA heroines. A mong high-profile dignitaries anchoring the proceedings, were national minister of Sports and Recreation Thokozile Xasa, Gauteng's MEC for sport Faith Mazibuko, and SA Football Association president Danny Jordaan.
“In 13 years I've represented Banyana this has never happened,” said Banyana skipper Janine van Wyk, to loud cheers. “I have to thank SA as whole for their support. Through the tournament we knew it was now or never. I love you SA!” Some in the enthusiastic crowd kept on yelling “Banyana must be paid as Bafana... we are tired. They actually deserve more.”
The team were presented with a cheque of over R2-million, to be shared by the players.