Banyana’s Kgatlana cannot wait

Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana (above) says she is looking forward to competing at the Cosafa Women’s Championship for the first time with the tournament set to be staged in Zimbabwe next month.

Banyana have already won the competition three times, being crowned champions in the 2002, 2006 and the 2008 edition. However, the South African senior national team failed to lift the trophy in 2011, losing 1-0 to Zimbabwe in the final.

The tournament which caters for Southern African nations with the exception of one guest nation, will be played from September 13 to September 24.

Banyana, who are currently coached by Desiree Ellis on an interim basis, were drawn against Namibia, Lesotho and Botswana in Group C. Hosts Zimbabwe have been drawn alongside Zambia, Malawi and Madagascar in Group A while guest nation Kenya will be up against Mauritius, Mozambique and Swaziland in Group B.

Looking at the draw, Kgatlana knows it won’t be easy for them to get past their opponents.

“No team wants to see Banyana, they all want to prove a point when they play against us. But that is good for us because it shows that we are making our mark on the continent.”

The tournament will be played across two venues in Bulawayo’s Barbourfields Stadium and Luveve Stadium, with the teams playing each other in a round robin format. The group winners and runners-up will advance to the semifinals to be played on September 21, with the final set to be played four days later.

Banyana’s first game is against Lesotho on September 14 at the Luveve Stadium, followed by a clash with Namibia the next day at the Barbourfields Stadium, before facing Botswana in their last group game, again at Barbourfields Stadium.