BANYANA BANYANA will be hoping for a third time lucky today when they lock horns with Sweden in an international friendly at Cape Town Stadium (2pm).
The 2017 Caf women team of the year will be meeting The BlueYellow for the third time, having lost to them twice in the London 2012 Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics.
In 2012 Banyana were thumped 4-1 by the world’s 10th-ranked team, four years later Banyana suffered a slight 1-0 defeat in Brazil.
Banyana midfielder Amogelang Motau says as a team they will use this opportunity to prepare for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers in June.
“Sweden are ranked 10th in the world, which is good for us to play against such an opposition.
“I’m expecting a very physical game.
“They are very tall and physical. But as a team, we can use this opportunity to prepare for the AWC,” said the former Under-20 captain.
This encounter will also give coach Desire Ellis a chance to see the five new players: Yonelo Keto, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Neliswa Luthuli, Melinda Kgadiete and Sduduzo Dlamini, who will be making their debut in the senior national team after impressing the coach in the Sasol League National Championships that were played in Mpumalanga last year December.
This year is a big year for Banyana as they have some tough task waiting for them, which includes qualifying for the AWC and finishing in the top three in Ghana to book a spot in next year’s Womens World Cup in France.
Motau told SunSport: “Sweden is a very good country for us to test ourselves and see where we are as a team, our weaknesses and our strengths as we want to fulfil our dream of going to the World Cup.”
Cape Town fans are expected in big numbers to fill up the stadium.
Entrance to this clash is free of charge.
