The South African Women's senior national team, Banyana Banyana will be banking on the experience they acquired at the 12 Nations Cyprus Women's Cup tournament when they take on Botswana in an All Africa Games qualifier match.
Banyana squad for All Africa Games qualifier announced
Coach Vera Pauw announced the 18 players for the qualifier match, with five changes made to the 23 squad that recently returned from Europe.
The South Africans will be boosted by the addition of defender Zama Cele, who plays for Durban Ladies in the KZN Sasol league stream, as well as USA-based Kaylin Swart, with both making their return to the National Team.
"The qualifier match against Botswana is not going to be an easy game because they are looking to also qualify for the All Africa Games. Though we have played them in friendly matches before, a qualifier match is different and they will be playing at home," noted Banyana midfielder Amanda Dlamini on SAFA's website.
"All we have to do is play according to instructions and put pressure on them from the start."
Pauw said she is relying on the Cyprus Cup experience her players gained to give them the momentum to edge the female Zebras.
"The Cyprus Cup was good preparation for us because the play was on a different level. The teams we played against are playing at the highest level and we learnt most valuable lessons, and one of those lessons is that we have to be focused 90 minutes and plus on the field," added the Banyana coach.
