Banyana Banyana took on a different type of exercise this morning in Durban as they went on an early morning walk with some of their fans joining them.
They face Jamaica on Sunday in an international friendly match and will be hoping for an electrifying atmosphere at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
With less than 70 days to go before the Fifa Women’s World Cup, the weekend fixture will be their last on home soil before they head off to the global spectacle.
Banyana Banyana are well into the serious preparations for the FIFA Women’s World, which takes place in France in June.
The last time Banyana Banyana played in Durban was during the 2012 Olympic qualifiers against Tunisia.
After an eight year absence, they return to the coastal city to play in a farewell match before another major tournament.
It will also be their first appearance at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Banyana midfielder Leandra Smeda says the weekend fixture will be their last on home soil.
“We need to go out there and put up a good fight and get a good result because it’s one of the last two games for us before we head into the World Cup. So, as a team, we are up for the fight.”
Banyana are excited about their international friendly match.
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has urged the country to support the team at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
”The teammates are excited as well to be playing at a different province. We urge people to come in numbers and support Banyana Banyana and it’s going to be a very nice match, because it is a celebration match, because it’s the last game we play in South Africa.”
Banyana are excited to be playing Jamaica. Having faced four European teams this year alone, this match provides them with different dynamics.
They face a team that will also make its debut at the World Cup and they hope to put on an impressive performance.
Banyana Banyana Coach, Desiree Ellis says, “Playing against another team that is going to the World Cup, Jamaica newbies like us a different type of team, but it will help us each and every team we play against prepares us for the future.”
