Banyana to face Spain if they make it to Olympics
SOUTH Africa’s Banyana Banyana face the daunting prospect of playing in a group of three top-10 countries if they qualify for this year’s Paris Olympics women’s football competition in France from July 24 to August 10.
Banyana Banyana’s qualification fate hangs in the balance since they must still play the final round of qualifying against arch-rivals Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana play the first leg in Nigeria on Friday, April 5, in Abuja.
The reverse tie will be played on Tuesday, April 9, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The draw for football at the 2024 Paris Olympics was announced at the Le Pulse Building in Saint-Denis, Paris, on Wednesday.
The two qualifying African teams have been placed in tough groups.
Apart from the Nigeria versus South Africa tie, Zambia and Morocco will lock horns to claim the second women’s Olympic slot reserved for Africa.
The South Africa v Nigeria aggregate winner will play in Group C alongside reigning World Cup champions Spain (World No 1), Japan (7) and Brazil (10).
Banyana Banyana will start their training camp next Monday, with local-based players only.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a preliminary 30-member squad for the camp. The final 23-player group for the Olympic qualifier will be finalised by Ellis next week.
According to competition rules, countries will only be able to select 18 players per team for the final tournament, and there are no age restrictions in the women’s section.
Meanwhile, tickets for the crucial Banyana Banyana-Nigeria clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on April 9 (7.30pm kick-off) have gone on sale at all TicketPro outlets, as well as at Spar stores.
The tickets will also be available at the stadium, and cost R50 for adults and R20 for children.
For the home return match, Safa yesterday urged fans to come out in their numbers to support the senior women’s football national team.
There will be lots of prizes to be won on the day, including the opportunity to meet your favourite Banyana Banyana players.
“Put on your yellow national team regalia. We want Loftus to be buzzing on the day,” said Safa chief executive Lydia Monyepao.