7th November, 2012
Banyana Banyana are desperate to grab a win in their semi final clash against Africa’s Number 1 ranked women’s team, Nigeria, at the African Women’s Championships in Bata, Equatorial Guinea by 5:30pm today.
“The Banyana Banyana players are so keen to get the win over Nigeria and give South African football fans lots to be proud of,” said Banyana midfielder Portia Modise.
“The win will allow our team to make the final, which is one step further than what we achieved at the 2010 African Women’s Championships in our country in South Africa.”
Banyana have played the Nigerians twice this year in international friendly matches, which ended 1-1 in Rustenburg and goalless in Lagos.
South Africa finished as bronze medalists at the African women’s showpiece two years ago. Head coach Joseph Mkhonza, who was named Coach-of-the-Year at the South African Sports Awards on Sunday, said Banyana would adopt a “no fear” approach against the Nigerians.
“The stage is set for an epic battle between the two sides. We have never defeated Nigeria in the history of Banyana Banyana. There is always the first time in everything. We promised South Africa that we’ll come back with a gold medal. We are not intimidated by the fact that we are meeting Nigeria” Mkhonza said.
Meanwhile, former Nigerian forward, Segun Odegbami has said the Falcons are unstoppable as they face their arch rivals in today’s semi final cracker.
Odegbami said the cup holders have the capacity to go the whole exercise and clinch the African title. “Our women have always been good, anytime they didn’t win the title it has to be due to one or two accidents.
“I don’t know how they do it because if you looked at the domestic women’s league development programme it is not that solid. But the women have a way of coming round it not only in football but in all sports”.
“Maybe the extra zeal and determination they bring into their games. So I believe the Falcons will overcome the South African foes tomorrow (Wednesday) and go as far as win the title,” said the former Green Eagles’ captain to supersport.com.