Banyana Banyana arrived safely in the USA and are ready to play the four-time World Cup champions in two international friendlies set for Friday 22 September at 01:30 am (SA Time) in Cincinnati and Sunday 24 September in Chicago 23:30 pm (SA Time).
Fresh from reaching the last 16 at this year’s global showpiece, Desiree Ellis will look to use these fixtures to prepare for the start of their Olympic qualifying journey, which kicks off in October with a double-header against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winner of the tie will advance to the third round of qualifying, which is set for February 2024.
Just like South Africa, the US were knocked out in the 16 rounds and this will be their first outing for both sides.
“The first day after travelling a long distance is always very difficult, but I think all the players look enthusiastic and excited to be together and playing again. It is extremely hot, not the kind of weather we are used to.
“We knew these games were going to come very soon after the FIFA World Cup – so, we went with players who have been playing regularly and obviously with withdrawals in certain positions due to injuries.
“That was going to be an opportunity for others to raise their hands and to step up so we can see them with us on our journey,” she added.
For the encounter Ellis called up a majority of players that got a nod for the World Cup. There are new faces who were included after regulars like Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane, Hildah Magaia, Noko Matlou and Sibulele Holweni could not travel for various reasons.
This squad is made up of 21 players, with Noxolo Cesana’s twin sister Sinoxolo and Faith Nokuthula the only two players in the squad who hadn’t been part of the team at the global spectacle.
The matches will also serve as farewell games for the USA’s retiring superstar, Megan Rapinoe.
The outspoken midfielder is set to hang up her soccer boots when the domestic season in the USA concludes in November, however, the two friendlies against Banyana will be her last for the national team — bringing down the curtain on a decorated individual career on and off the field in the last two decades.
“She has been influential, not just as a player, but an activist for women’s soccer. She has been huge throughout the world and has done magnificently for the US,” coach Ellis said.
Just before the team’s departure on Sunday, SAFA announced a new sponsor in the form of Shield, and the SABC will broadcast the games.
Shield’s Sponsorship & Partnerships Lead Gareth Marshall expressed his excitement about the new partnership.
“It’s an honour to be here. We had been talking about Banyana for a while and we have been wanting to get this partnership over the line,” he said.
“Thank you for flying the South Africa flag so high, it really is an honour to be here. I look forward to this partnership and we really get to inspire the next generation. We have got some stories to tell, and we look forward to doing it with you.”
This will be the third meeting between the nations, with The Yanks winning 1-0 (2016) and 3-0 (2019).
