South Africa Announce October Friendly With Australia

South Africa will play Australia in an international friendly on October 8 at in London, the country’s soccer governing body (FA) said on Tuesday.

The Banyana Banyana, who qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup, will face off with the tournament co-host for the first time in history.

The fixture will be the third for Banyana in their preparations for the global football showcase after a disappointing 3-0 and 6-0 loses to Brazil in Soweto and Durban respectively last week.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said she was excited to be playing against another top side so soon after facing Brazilians.

“This is very exciting news, and another opportunity to play against a top nation,” Ellis told www.safa.net.“Australia are the co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand.

“Coming so soon after playing against Brazil, this gives us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge us. It is another opportunity for an improved performance and for players to raise their hands.

“We are really excited. We say thank you to SAFA and SASOL. They said they would get us opponents to prepare for the World Cup and what a start to our preparations. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game.”

Australia are the co-hosts of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand.

Brazil is among the favorites to win next year’s global title, given that they are the reigning Copa America Femenina champions and have won eight titles.