South Africa will face the Reggae Girlz as they look to stay in shape for WAFCON defence
Banyana Banyana will play Jamaica twice in friendly matches in November and December as they seek to be active ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) that will be played next year.
South Africa have set up matches against the Reggae Girlz on November 29 and December 2 in the tropical islands with coach Desiree Ellis keen to ensure her team stays in shape for the tournament in which they will be out to defend their title.
“I’d just like to say thank you to SAFA and Sasol for once again getting us a top-notch international match, coming so soon after the England game. You know, they’re top players playing in top leagues around the world, and their probably best-known player is Khadija Shaw,” said Ellis.
South Africa out to stay in shape for WAFCON
“They did really well at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year as well. And if people remember, we played them in 2019, just before going to the 2019 World Cup. And we always said that we would like to play them in a return match, but the opportunity never materialised.
“So, we’re really looking forward to it. It’s giving us another opportunity to test players once again, as we get ready to prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and start finalising our squad, and an opportunity to test some more players.”
SAFA president Danny Jordaan is also keen to ensure Banyana Banyana have a good defence of their continental title.
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“It is absolutely crucial that Banyana Banyana continue to play these important matches in the buildup to next year’s WAFCON. I am happy that we have confirmed Jamaica along with the other matches that will be played in the coming months,” said Jordaan.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was to be played in June 2024 but postponed to next year although the host nation is yet to be revealed.
South Africa is among countries that had submitted a bid to host the tournament.
