‘Vivo’ hits 100-cap landmark for Banyana

South Africa (2)3 Kgatlana 5, Esau 13, Kgatlana 88 Namibia (1) 1 Hikuam 38 NONTANDO ‘ VIVO’ VILAKAZI celebrated her 100th cap with a win as Banyana Banyana shaded Namibia, a result which guaranteed them a place in this year’s Cosafa Women’s Championship semi-final with a game in hand.

The 29-year old received her 100-cap jersey with a bouquet of flowers during the half-time break, in recognition of what she has achieved with the senior women’s national side.

In their first game of the tournament, on Thursday, Banyana handed Lesotho a 3-0 hiding, Vilakazi produced a Player-of-the-Match performance, and built on that in this game as Banyana continue to push for their fourth title of this regional championship.

In this matchup, Banyana played with more speed, accuracy in the passing game, and penetration, compared to their first game.

Desiree Ellis, who made four changes in her squad in an attempt to freshen it up a bit, was most pleased with how they were able to run their opponents ragged.

Thembi Kgatlana, who came in as a sub for Rhoda Mulaudzi in the first game, was the first to register her name on the scoreline. The petite leftwinger scored a stunner of a curled shot after dribbling past her marker, following a superb cross from the far side.

Then Chantelle Esau followed, anticipating Kholosa Biyana’s play and running into space to receive her defence-splitting pass, and then struck a powerful shot home.

Namibia could only score one goal through Millicent Hikuam, as Banyana kept mat- ters compact in the rearguard.

Banyana could have scored their third just before the break. However Kgatlana, who was in a good position to take a shot, opted to play the ball to the onrushing Esau who was a second late to tap it in.

In the second period of the match, Ellis brought in experienced striker-turned-defender, Noko Matlou for the inexperienced Regina Mogolola, who had a fantastic debut in Banyana’s first match.

Ellis’ decision was influenced by trying to add more composure and calmness in her rearguard to complement the aggression her side showed up front. Just before the stroke of fulltime, Esau and Kgatlana made another surging run towards the opposition ‘keeper, with her defence left in tatters due to their lack for pace. Esau dummied the opposition keeper, then played the ball to Kgatlana who didn’t disappoint.