Banyana land in New Zealand

The first group of Banyana Banyana players has landed in New Zealand ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

After last week’s drama which saw Banyana Banyana players boycotting a match against Botswana in Tsakane, the team finally resolved problems with Safa and departed for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday evening.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August 2023.
Desiree Ellis’ side are in a tough group with Argentina, Italy and Sweden.

Deputy Minister of Sport Art, Culture Ms. Nocawe Mafu was at the O.R Tambo International airport to see the team off and wish them well.

“Go now, everything else is behind you. Change your mindset now, go out there and enjoy the tournament, no pressure. But also remember you are part of the 32 teams out of 200 that qualified for this World Cup, nobody must put pressure on you,” said Mafu.

“We are behind you a 100 percent. The Minister (Zizi Kodwa) could not be here to see you off but he said I must tell you guys to go out and enjoy the event and he will see you on the 23rd of July for your opening match against Sweden. I will see you eight days later because you will still be in there.”

The second group will leave South Africa on Thursday, 6 July to join up with the rest of the team and continue with preparations for the final friendly match against Costa Rica on 15 July 2023 before the official start of the tournament five days later.

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