Banyana Banyana are set to face a southern African women’s football onslaught at the regional Cosafa [Council of Southern Africa Football Associations] Championships set to take place in Zimbabwe from July 2 to July 9.
Success is high on the list of the side’s priorities as they look to use the event as a stepping stone towards their final Olympic qualifier match against Ethiopia in August and September.
They are in line of qualifying for next year’s London Olympics if they see off the East Africans in a two-legged fixture.
For next week’s tournament, Banyana have been drawn in Group B with Zambia, Tanzania and Botswana.
They open the tournament with a match against the Zambians.
Group A contains hosts Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and Malawi.
They leave for Harare on Thursday where coach Joseph Mkhonza was optimistic of a good outing from his team who want momentum ahead of their final Olympic qualifier round.
“We played and beat Zambia and Botswana in the Olympic qualifiers earlier this year, and are confident of our chances of doing well in the tournament,” said Mkhonza.
“It will be an important build up process for us as far as facing Ethiopia in Olympic qualifier action is concerned.”
Since Mkhonza took charge of the side in December last year, the team has won seven of their eight matches.
Squad: Thokozile Mndaweni, Andile Dlamini, Mamello Makhabane, Simphiwe Masina, Yola Jafta, Janine van Wyk, Gabisile Hlumbane, Zamandosi Cele, Amanda Sister, Amanda Dlamini, Nothando Vilakazi, Mary Ntsweng, Zanele Sukazi, Jermaine Seopesenwe, Noko Matlou, Rachel Sebati, Robyn Moodaly, Nomathemba Ntsibande. — Sapa