Banyana to take on Zambia
SEMIFINAL: SA TEAM CLINCH TOP SPOT
Vilakazi joins a select group who have won 100 caps.
Banyana Banyana will play Zambia in the Cosafa Cup semifinals on Thursday, after a 1-1 draw with Botswana on Sunday ensured Desiree Ellis’ side finished top of Group C.
Banyana finished with seven points from three games after a below-par display against Botswana, though Ellis did make a host of changes with qualification already sealed after a 3-1 victory over Namibia on Friday.
Substitute Chantelle Esau grabbed the equaliser for Banyana three minutes from time, with Botswana on track for an upset after Thokalele had given them the lead just a few minutes earlier.
Esau now has three goals from as many matches in this competition, which puts her at the top of Banyana’s goal charts with strike partner Thembi Kgatlana.
Zambia warmed up for their meeting with Banyana by pummelling Madagascar 7-1. Captain Barbara Banda netted twice, with Misozi Zulu, Grace Chanda, Noria Sosala, Rhoda Chileshe and Rachael Nachula also scoring.
Banyana’s win over Namibia on Friday, meanwhile, was also notable for midfielder Nothando Vilakazi, who joined a select group of women’s players in notching up her 100th game for her country.
Portia Modise, Janine van Wyk, Noko Matlou, Nompumelelo Nyandeni and Amanda Dlamini are the other women to have played for Banyana 100 times or more.
“I was always looking up to them, especially Janine because we play together at the back and she always used to guide us and tell us what to do and that really helped my game a great deal. I must also take this opportunity to congratulate them for being where they are now because it is not easy and we all drew inspiration from them,” said Vilakazi.
“This is only the beginning for me, I need to now also be part of the leaders of the team so that when other experienced players are not here, I must take that role and lift the team.”
The 28-year-old Vilakazi, who plays for Palace Super Falcons, is now eyeing an overseas move.
“My biggest dream is to play overseas, and if I were to get that opportunity I would take it with both hands. I would also like to see Banyana Banyana qualify for the World Cup and see myself playing there.”