Banyana samba all the way to the bank

JUST hours after long-time sponsors Sasol announced a R5.5-million bonus for the recently-crowned Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) champions, Banyana Banyana, came the news Brazil has agreed to play two friendlies in South Africa.

Sasol's bonus is the team's third windfall since they returned triumphantly from Morocco.

The SA Football Association (Safa), the guardians of the game in South Africa, paid R9.2m to the team. A few weeks later, Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced government had awarded them R15m.

Banyana, currently ranked 54 in the world, will play Brazil (world No 9) in two friendlies in South Africa, starting on Friday, September 2, at Orlando Stadium.

The second encounter will be played three days later at a venue to be confirmed.

Safa president Danny Jordaan said it was beneficial for Banyana to play the world’s leading countries. If they do well on the world stage, it would strengthen South Africa’s claims to host a future women's World Cup.

“If we want to maintain the quality, level and performance of Banyana Banyana, we have to broaden the base and also give the team more opportunities,” said Jordaan.

“Now that they have conquered Africa, in the World Cup next year they will not play against any African teams.

“They must play against South American teams, North African teams, European teams and Asian teams.

“This is where we are going to focus.

“They cannot play against these countries for the first time when they go to the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year. Preparation for the World Cup is very important.

“We want the team to perform because we want to discuss with the government that after the 2023 tournament, the next World Cup is in 2027.

“We then want to raise the question of, we have the infrastructure, what about hosting the World Cup in South in 2027.

“Unlike when we hosted the men’s

World Cup in 2010, our team Bafana was ranked 86th in the world.”

South Africa's African Women's Coach of the Year Desiree Ellis said the team were thrilled to play the Copa América Feminine winners because it would give them an insight into the level of competition they would face at the Women’s World Cup next year.

“This is amazing. Immediately after the Wafcon last month, Safa said they would give us the best possible preparation for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand,” said Ellis.

Brazil won an eighth Copa América Feminine after they beat hosts Colombia 1-0 in July.

South Africa and Brazil have qualified for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.