Banyana Banyana arrived in the Zimbabwean capital Harare on Monday night brimming with confidence ahead of their clash with rivals, Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors.
The team’s coach Joseph Mkhonza said he was happy to be back in Zimbabwe for Thursday night’s match at Rufaro Stadium in the annual Unity Cup.
This was after Banyana Banyana beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in the Cosafa Championship final at the same venue last year and again walloped their northern neighbours 4-1 in the All Africa Games in Mozambique last September.
Mkhonza said: “I like to play against Zimbabwe. I suppose this is developing into traditional rivalry because whenever the two teams meet, fans are assured of excitement.
“This is part of our preparations for the Olympic Games in London next year and I am happy with the healthy situation within the Banyana camp. We had to leave behind a few girls who wanted to be part of this journey, and that is an exciting and healthy situation to have.
“The journey to London starts now.”
The squad: Goalkeepers: Roxanne Barker, Thokozile Mndaweni. Defenders: Amanda Sister, Gabisile Hlumbane, Nothando Vilakazi, Cindy Meyer, Zama Cele, Simphiwe Masina. Midfielders: Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Kylie Ann Louw, Mary Ntsweng, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Memory Makhanya. Fowards: Noko Matlou, Leandra Smeda, Amanda Dlamini, Sanah Mollo, Andisiwe Mgcoyi. — Sapa