It was Banyana’s first match of 2019 as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup set to be played in France just under six months from now.
The Netherlands scored twice in the first half and African Women’s Player of the Year Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back in the 33rd minute, bagging her 16th goal for the senior national team.
“It was unfortunate for us to concede early in the game, it’s not what we wanted. Going into the game we wanted to keep it tight and compact as possible because we know how clinical they are in front of goal,” Van Wyk said.
“In the first two minutes we conceded the first one and we needed to clean up, and I think after 25 minutes or so we kind of settled in again and we played our game – keeping the ball on the ground, moving the ball fast, making one-two touches and getting the goal back. Thembi did very well to compose herself in front of goal with defenders putting pressure on her from behind with the goalkeeper to beat.
“So I think overall it was a good challenge for us and I think we put up a good fight against them. Playing a team that’s ranked seventh in the world is not easy to get a result. We missed a couple of chances that could have tied the game, or even won the game. Hopefully next time it will be an even better result and performance from the team.”
Van Wyk was taken out in the second half with a niggling groin injury and could miss out on the match against Sweden at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday (19h00).