Feb 14 Dlamini: Banyana must play the best

Amanda Dlamini, the Banyana Banyana skipper, has been tasked with one of the most difficult responsibilities. In few months time, he will have to shoulder expectations of 48 million South Africans and inspire Banyana Banyana at their maiden Summer Olympics appearance.

 

The team departed for South America – where they will be fine-tuning their moves and intensifying their preparations.

The side is earmarked to take on Argentina, Peru, Chile and other Brazilian club side’s ahead of the Cyprus Women’s Cup which kicks-off on 28 February 2012.

“It’s important for us as a team to play a few friendly matches before we get to play some recognised games,” Dlamini told PSL.co.za.

“These matches in Brazil will provide us with an opportunity to see how far we are in terms of readiness ahead of the Cyprus Women’s Cup and the Olympic Games. Our preparations are well on course and we need to ensure that we maintain this type of commitment till the start of the games.”

The South Africans are scheduled to play in Cyprus from 28 February where they are placed in group C and will come up against the likes South Korea, New Zealand and North Ireland.

The Annual tournament will also feature the likes of England, France and Canada, teams that were involved in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Germany.

The tournament in the Mediterranean will not be a work in the park and the University of Johannesburg striker believes playing the likes of Korea and New Zealand, teams that have World Cup experience, will place them in good stead by the time the Games in London open.

“It’s great opportunity that we get to play in such tournaments and against quality oppositions. As you might be aware it is not every day that we play the likes of New Zealand and Korea, such challenges will help us as players to see where we are in terms of promptness and also where we might need to develop.” said the team leader.

It has since been announced that the men’s national under 23 coach, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba would join the squad as Technical Advisor to Head Coach Jospeh Mkhonza.

Source: www.psl.co.za