Banyana begin Olympic journey with match against Zimbabwe
Banyana begin Olympic journey
Posted: 2011-12-20 13:53
Banyana Banyana confident ahead of clash with 'happy hunting ground' Zimbabwe.
The South African Women's Team arrived in Harare last night brimming with confidence ahead of their clash with their neighbours and rivals at Rufaro Stadium on Thursday in the annual Unity Cup.
Joseph Mkhonza says he is happy to be back in Zimbabwe which he says, apart from losing 1-0 in the Cosafa Championship Final in June this year, is his happy hunting ground.
Banyana beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in the same competition, at the same venue, last year and again walloped the northern neighbours 4-1 in the All-Africa Games in Mozambique last September.
"I like to play against Zimbabwe. I suppose this is developing into traditional rivalry because whenever the two teams meet, fans are assured of excitement," Mkhonza says.
"This is part of our preparations for the Olympic Games in London next year and I am happy with the healthy situation within the Banyana camp.
"We had to leave behind a few girls who wanted to be part of this journey and that is an exciting and healthy situation to have," Mkhonza adds. "The journey to London starts now."
Head of delegation and Safa NEC member, Abel 'The Lip' Rakoma, praised the manner in which the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) treated the team on their arrival at Harare International Airport.
"We were really given true African VIP treatment and I just hope this relationship between Safa and Zifa grows from strength to strength. This is good for the two countries and growth of the game in the region."
The squad will train at the match venue today and tomorrow.
Banyana technical team
Head coach: Joseph Mkhonza
Assistant coach: Jerry Laka
Goalkeeper coach: Thomas Nare
Manager: Zanele Khanyile
Banyana Banyana squad
Goalkeepers: Roxanne Barker, Thokozile Mndaweni
Defenders: Amanda Sister, Gabisile Hlumbane, Nothando Vilakazi, Cindy Meyer, Zama Cele, Simphiwe Masina
Midfielders: Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Kylie Ann Louw, Mary Ntsweng, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Memory Makhanya
Fowards: Noko Matlou, Leandra Smeda, Amanda Dlamini, Sanah Mollo, Andisiwe Mgcoyi.
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