Banyana wrap up FIFA World Cup preparations with friendly against Norway

Banyana Banyana will wrap up their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup when they play former World Champions Norway in an international friendly match at Stade Moulonguet in Amiens France on Sunday evening (20:00).

Banyana kick-off their maiden World Cup appearance on the seventh of this month against Spain in le Havre and tonight’s game will go a long way to get psyched up for the big spectacle.

Head coach Desiree Ellis says they need a win against Norway to boost their confidence going to this tournament.

This is going to be the first ever meeting between the two nations in women’s football and the Norwegians will give Banyana the much needed challenge as they haven’t missed a Women’s World Cup since its introduction in 1991.

Ellis who comes to this tournament as the reigning African Women’s coach of the year, is also on a mission to finalize her starting line-up ahead of the meeting against Spain. Against this Norwegian team who are also the two times European champions, the former Banyana captain is trying not to look far ahead…

Banyana is currently ranked 49^th in the world and third on the continent whilst Norway are on the 12^th spot globally and sixth in Europe.

After years of knocking on the door to compete against the best teams in the world, the South African women’s sensational football team is only six days away from the real thing. And Ellis says its sinking in. Report by Velile Mnyandu