With Election Day one day away, Banyana Banyana players took part in a special voting session on Monday morning before they fly out to the USA Monday night to face the hosts in a friendly game on Sunday the 12th of May in California.
Banyana take on world champions America and Norway before they play in their maiden World Cup in France next month.
The number one ranked side will no doubt be Banyana’s toughest test to date and coach Desiree Ellis reflects on the preparations so far.
This will be the second meeting between the two nations, with Banyana losing 1-0 to the Americans three years ago.
Banyana will conclude their preparations when they take on Norway on Sunday, June 2 at Stade Moulonguet in Amiens, France.
Pitted in Group B, Banyana will open their campaign against Spain on the 8th of June before playing China and two-time champions Germany.
With a few of the Banyana players earning overseas moves in recent times, Ellis says though she would have loved to have had all the girls in camp right now, there is only so little she can do.
Your vote counts! Special voting underway for @Banyana_Banyana as they leave for the USA tonight and won’t be in the country on Election Day, Wednesday 8 May. @FIFAWWC @SAFA_net @BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/GBaLGMjy1M
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) May 6, 2019
2019 has certainly been a fruitful one for South African sports with the Under 20’s, the Springboks, the Proteas and the Netball team all joining Banyana with their respective World Cups’ appearances.
Bafana Bafana too have redeemed themselves by booking their spot at the continental showpiece, the Afcon. Ellis applauds the efforts. – Report by Tumi Gabonamong
