Banyana look to up the tempo

Banyana Banyana look to up the tempo as they prepare for the Olympics

Posted: 20 June 2012 Time: 10:43 am

Banyana Banyana are continuing with preparations in Nelspruit ahead of the return leg of their international friendly match against Nigeria.

The clash will take place at the Teslim–Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Saturday, June 23. Kick-off is at 4pm.

Banyana played to a 1-1 draw against NIgeria in the home leg two weeks ago at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

With the Olympic Games less than 40 days away, Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza is aware that time is ticking and preparations have to be taken seriously.

The team has been working on video analysis of the previous encounter against the Super Falcons, as well the home and away encounters against Zambia in the African Women's Championship qualifiers, which South Africa have now qualified for.

"We are nearing this big tournament [the Olympics] and with the technical assistance we receive we are trying as hard as we can to build on the success of qualifying for the African Women's Championship," Mkhonza says.

"After looking at the previous four matches we've played in preparation for the AWC qualifiers, looking at the past match against Zambia, we need to up the tempo in our style of play as we'll be put the test against experienced countries in the Olympics.

"But our focus is now on Nigeria where we need to get a good result despite them having the advantage of playing at home. In London we will be away from home, and getting used to such conditions will help us a great deal.

"Also we have to organise ourselves well when we lose the ball ..."

Banyana fly out of Nigeria immediately after the match. They will arrive in South Africa on the morning of June 24 at 5.05am.

Article by: AN Other

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posted: 10:21 am
I wish the ladies well. I have to give credit to Banyana for not being spoiled brats. When they play away(regardless of the conditions) they give their all. credit goes to the players and the technical team. Good luck against Nigeria, lets go out there and fight for the pride and the nation.
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