Van Wyk: Banyana will surprise

In less than two weeks Banyana will have to battle it out with fifth-ranked Sweden, before a clash against world number seven Canada two days later.

Then, on July 31, Van Wyk will have to keep a close eye on 2011 FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, Homare Sawa, when they face the world’s third-ranked side Japan.

However, Van Wyk says Banyana, ranked 65th in the world, are more than up for the challenge.

“We will compete no matter who we’re playing.” She tells KickOff.com.

“It is not all about ranks. Playing for high-profile teams means that we will have to study their weaknesses and strengths and capitalize on that.

“They think of us as underdogs, but we’re gonna go there and surprise them!”

By Buhle Nkonki