Ahead of their crunch World Cup match against Italy, Banyana Banyana got themselves immersed into New Zealand's indigenous culture.
Check it out!
What's the story?
The team enjoyed a stress-relieving activity in preparation for their all-important Group G match against Italy at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The players and staff got to learn more about indigenous New Zealand culture through a unique dance, with the ladies thoroughly enjoying the activity.
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Let's take a closer look...
Banyana practice Maori dance
South Africa's staff and players enjoyed a light-hearted cultural activity over the weekend at their base camp in New Zealand.
Players Noko Matlou, Gabriella Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo were all smiles as they learnt some Poi dancing.
According to a holidify.com article, Poi dance is a sought-after cultural experience and dance in New Zealand and it's forged by the Maori people.
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Poi translates to 'ball tethered on a string' in Maori and it is mainly performed by women. The article also mentioned that the sound of a moving Poi is supposed to replicate the sound of a bird flapping its wings and each dance aims to illustrate a story from Maori folklore.
Check out the Banyana stars having fun as they learn the ways of the Poi dance:
Some "Poi dancing" as our players and staff members learned more about the New Zealand culture ????#BeyondGreatness #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/d4TBiRgWID
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 30, 2023
Banyana face a do-or-die encounter against Italy on Wednesday at the Wellington Regional Stadium. If Desiree Ellis' soldiers manage to secure three points, they'll join Group G leaders Sweden into the knockout rounds.
Sanibonani ?? from Dunedin to Wellington. ??It's #OurTimeNow ???? masambe ??#mondaymotivation going into a massive week for #Banyana 02/08/2023 - ???? v ????Show @Banyana_Banyana your love and support by commenting below ????#safa #lecoqsportif #shareyourlcs #lecoqspirtifza pic.twitter.com/34fEbf56p6
— lecoqsportif za (@LeCoqSportif_SA) July 31, 2023
Take a scroll through the Banyana Banyana gallery:
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