Banyana Banyana Ready to do South Africa Proud at World Cup

South Africa’s primary objective at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup is to make their nation proud, coach Desiree Ellis told reporters.

The Banyana Banyana will make their Women’s World Cup debut when they compete in Group B at the global soccer showcase in France against two-time champions Germany, Spain and China.

South Africa qualified for the tournament when they defeated Mali in the semi-finals of the 2018 Women’s AFCON held seven months ago in Ghana.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“We have waited a very long time for this, and now is our moment to shine. We will be playing for all those players who came and went in the Banyana Banyana squad, the very same players and coaches that laid the foundation for us to be where we are today – we owe a lot to them.”[/perfectpullquote]

Coach Ellis added that her players are ready for the opening match against Spain on Saturday at Stade Oceana in Le Harve.

“Spain is a powerhouse of world football, despite the fact that this is only their second FIFA Women’s World Cup. We know what we are up against, and we have done everything possible in our power to be ready for this all-important clash,” added Ellis.

Banyana Banyana have played nine high profile friendlies since their qualification to the World Cup. The team has drawn four and lost six while scoring only eight goals and conceding a worrying 24.

The match against Spain, who are 36 places higher than South Africa in the world rankings, will be the first encounter between that two sides.

African champions Nigeria and Cameroon are the other African contenders in the 24-team field with the United States seeking a record-extending fourth title.