Gamede ready to show the world her worth
BANYANA Banyana left-back Bongeka Gamede is eager to play in her second World Cup, saying she’ll use the opportunity to market herself to international scouts.
Gamede was an unused substitute during Banyana’s debut appearance four years ago in France, but since then she’s been a regular in coach Desiree Ellis’ team.
The 24-year-old Ixopo, KZN-born footballer was part of the Banyana team that made history books by winning their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco last year to qualify for their second World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.
Gamede is looking forward to the event, saying she’ll use the opportunity to show her talents to the world, having been plying her trade in the Super League with the University of Western Cape.
“It has been good (to be with the national team). I have been growing a lot, I must say. With each and every day being here, I have learned to become a better player.
“That (the World Cup) is where you write your CV, playing against bigger teams and on the biggest stage. So definitely, most players (including myself) are looking forward to marketing themselves.”
Gamede and her teammates’ mentality will be key in helping Banyana improve on 2019 when they crashed out in the group stage after losing all three matches.
In France, Banyana’s biggest weakness was in defence as they leaked eight goals and scored only one, in the opening game against Spain through Thembi Kgatlana.
Sweden, Argentina and Italy will fancy their chances against the African champions, so Gamede and Co know they must be tight at the back.
“I think we have a chance to do better than 2019. We lost all the games there, but this year we are looking forward to correcting all the mistakes. I am positive we’ll do well there,” Gamede said.
“We worked a lot on defending and focusing more on correcting our mistakes in defence. Also, you can’t win games without scoring. We worked broadly in defending and attacking.”
After their stand-off with Safa resulted in the team boycotting their send-off match against Botswana last Sunday, Banyana will play their last preparation match against Costa Rica on Friday in New Zealand.
Gamede is looking forward to the clash in Wellington, saying “that game will give us an indication of where we are in terms of international matches”.
“If we do well there, we stand a chance in the group.”