Banyana Banyana have assembled in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, ahead of the start of the regional COSAFA Women’s Championship this week.
The tournament gets underway on Tuesday, 22 October 2024 and while coach Maud Khumalo, who is in charge of the youthful South African women’s side, said she would have welcomed more time with her players, she has to get on with it and prepare for the opening match against Namibia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Kick off is at 17h00.
“To be honest with you, we do not have enough time, but there is nothing we can do about it. Remember that most of the players that are here were very active in the league. I think maybe that’s another reason they felt they’re still active in the league and they’re still in season,” Khumalo said.
“The only thing that is left for us as a technical team is to make sure we find the right combinations, and also for the players to understand the mandate. I think the players that are here are eager to give their best and also show the fans what they are capable of.”
Khumalo said Namibia are a bit of a closed book as they are yet to submit their final squad list.
“We have seen some clips of Namibia because I remember we played against them last year in the U20s to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers at Sturrock Park.
The challenge is that they have not finalized their squad yet and they just sent a preliminary squad.”
Khumalo said she expects a tough game against their neighbours and her charges will have to apply themselves fully if they are to emerge victorious.
Host South Africa were pitted against Namibia, Eswatini and Seychelles in Group A, while defending champions Malawi will fight it out with Botswana, Madagascar and Mauritius in Group B.
Zambia, Angola and Comoros are in Group C. Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho complete the lineup in Group D.
