Share

SAFA congratulates Banyana

Johannesburg - The country's leading football officials applauded the SA women's soccer team on Monday after they qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time.

Banyana Banyana drew 1-1 against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday for a 4-1 aggregate victory to clinch one of two African places for next year's London Games.

Kirsten Nematandani, the president of the SA Football Association (SAFA), said the majority of the national squads, in various age groups and divisions, had raised their performances in the wake of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.

"Most of our national teams are really coming to the party and taking the 2010 legacy to the next level," Nematandani said.

"This achievement by Banyana Banyana should propel other national teams to greater heights and believe nothing is impossible if you prepare well and have the will to succeed."

SAFA chief executive Robin Petersen said Banyana would need to build on their good form in order to put up a solid showing in London.

"The first hurdle of qualifying is behind us," Petersen said.

"Now we need to sit down with the technical team and plan the way to London.

"We cannot afford to rest but have to begin almost immediately with preparations to ensure we are ready when the time comes."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE