After dropping points in two of their FIFA Women's World Cup matches, this week's Friday Debate asks if Banyana Banyana will be able to pull off a miracle and qualify for the knockout phase.
Banyana have squandered leads in both the matches they have played against Sweden and Argentina, and currently sit in third place in group G, with one match to play against Europeans Italy. It will be a tough ask to overcome the Italians in the final group, but there is belief from South Africans that it can happen.
Cellular - Banyana Banyana Bafana Bafana supporter
In terms of the performance and how they play, we are in the toughest group. I say this because we are the lowest ranked team when you look at the other countries, so that was a bit difficult for us from the get go. But I think we performed pretty well and I would not be harsh on them in terms of how they have played. We played against Sweden in the first game and it was tough opponents. We managed to score first and I was impressed with a few players. Considering that we had a youthful squad, such things are expected where you take a lead and concede. Also the issue of how they left the country...not leaving very well in terms of the situation that happened. I think that counts in the mental aspect as well. Let's say they had been paid and everything was fine, it was going to be a positive thing towards their minds. Do we stand a chance to qualify? Well, it would depend on how Sweden and Italy plays. We have to beat Italy, but do we have a chance to beat them? Well, we will have to wait and see. If they lose (to Sweden), it will give us a chance to do what we have to do.
Mamello Makha - Women's football supporter
I do believe that Banyana Banyana will pull through, they might have lost to Sweden but that doesn't kill their chances to win. They worked very hard to be where they are today and they are more motivated and they are truly amazing players from the bottom up to the top. They somehow surrendered a their lead (in both matches), which was really heartbreaking. But for all their brave efforts, I strongly believe they will make South Africa proud and they have a strong track record of performing well. They pulled through, so it's not over till the fat lady sings.
