Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini interview ahead of Cyprus Women's Cup
'It's all about goals'
Posted: 2012-01-27 15:26
Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini speaks to KickOff.com about scoring goals, team trust, missing teammates … and why she doesn't watch men's football.
The South African women's football team have been on an intensive training programme at the High Performance Centre at the University of Stellenbosch since January 8, ahead of the Cyprus Women's Cup, which kicks off on February 27.
After last year's bonus scandal, in which Safa held back the money awarded to Banyana by Sasol after they qualified for the Olympic Games, rumours are now doing the rounds that team management is in disarray.
On the first issue, Safa has stated that the bonuses have been paid – but KickOff.com wanted it from the horse's mouth, so we asked the Banyana captain.
"Yes, finally we have," she laughs.
As for the alleged "vote of no confidence" handed down from technical director Fran Hilton-Smith to coach Joseph Mkhonza and team manager Zanele Khanyile, Dlamini tell KickOff.com she has heard nothing about it.
Hilton-Smith, meanwhile, reacts angrily to the rumours: "No, that's rubbish. I worked with Joseph for 13 years. My role as the technical director is to support him. Banyana has been my life for 20 years, and their success is my priority. From my side that's absolute rubbish."
With those diversions out of the way, KickOff.com and Dlamini were free to talk football.
KO: The coach has been on record saying 'the door is still open' to new players ahead of the Olympics. Looking at the current team, where do you think he would want to tighten up?
Dlamini: I don't know, that would be the coaches plans, and he wouldn't tell me, but I feel like we have a competitive, strong team, so if he was to bring anyone else in it would be because anything can happen, like injuries and so on. He may need people to fill the gaps, in the team if necessary. A wider pool of players.
KO: For the Cyprus Womens Cup, Banyana have been drawn in a group with New Zealand, South Korea and Northern Ireland. How are you going to prepare for those teams, and what have you found out about them so far?
Dlamini: We are still going to watch DVDs of the teams, but we have played New Zealand before [in a friendly in May 2010], so according to my knowledge and experience, they gave us a good fight. I mean they are a team full of running and they play the ball on the ground like us, so we are not going to think of them as a walk in the park.
KO: There are a couple of youngsters in the team, like Refiloe Jane. Have you been impressed with what you've seen?
Dlamini: I've been very impressed. Refiloe plays in the Sasol Women's League, she is the captain of Mamelodi Sundowns, and she came through the Sasol Roadshows, which are an advantage for us because players get to show their talent and what they're made of.
KO: You beat Cape Town Spurs ladies 10-1 recently, and beat Cape Town Roses 7-0, earlier this month, so you haven't had problems scoring …
Dlamini: That's the whole objective. But as much as we want to play the ball on the ground and play a passing game, we need to finish it off too. Although we also have to keep things tight at the back, and I think we have been doing so. It just takes concentration and trusting each other.
KO: Have you missed having Janine van Wyk around?
Dlamini: In terms of having all the team together, yes it has been awkward not having her around, but I think when the coach calls up players he selects quality to match what we already have, so our defence has been solid and they've been pulling up their socks, but with Janine's experience will be needed in such a big tournament so I hope when the coach meets with her it will be a success.
For those KickOff.com readers who don't know, Van Wyk asked to be withdrawn from the team last month ahead of the Unity Cup match against Zimbabwe, and was subsequently left out of the current training camp. She is set to meet with Mkhonza when after the current camp.
Dlamini: I mean, the whole thing was blown out of proportion. We all have personal problems, but when Janine had that the media wrapped it up with the same bonus thing, which was unnecessary.
And on a lighter note, Siza Shabbinho Mguni on Kick Off's Facebook page asks: Do you support a PSL team?
Dlamini: No! I feel like local SA football is dominated by money and there is no passion any more … the guys are not consistent, and I can't handle being disappointed week in, week out – I'd rather be lonely!
Zuko Qwabe on Kick Off's Facebook asks: Who inspires you?
Dlamini: My mom. She has had her fair share of hardships and challenges. Thinking of that helps me when I have to push myself, knowing that she never gave up.
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