Banyana Banyana to Face Australia As Preparations Continue Ahead of The 2023 FIFA World Cup

African champions Banyana Banyana will face Australia in a friendly international to be played in London next month, on the 8th of October 2022.

This will be a historic meeting between the two sides as it marks the first time ever that Australia’s women’s national team faces an African nation in a match outside of the FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympic Games.

This clash against the world number 12 is the perfect opportunity to continue to prepare for next year’s FIFA World Cup and a chance to test themselves against the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts in a potentially mouth-watering encounter in London.

The announcement of this encounter comes just days after the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana hosted eight-time Copa América Femenina winners Brazil in two friendly internationals played in Johannesburg and Durban.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is excited to be playing against another top side so soon after facing the Brazilians.

“This is very exciting news, and another opportunity to play against a top nation,” Ellis told www.safa.net.

“Australia are the co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup along with New Zealand. This coming very soon after playing against Brazil,  giving us the opportunity to rectify our mistakes as well as test and challenge ourselves. It is another opportunity for an improved performance and for players to raise their hands.

“We are really excited. We say thank you to SAFA and Sasol. They said they would get us opponents to prepare for the World Cup and what a start to our preparations. We are really looking forward to this fantastic game.”

Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship shared her views ahead of Banyana’s trip to London. “We are happy that Banyana Banyana will be travelling to London to participate in another international friendly where they will face the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host, Australia. They are currently ranked 12th in the world, and we know they are a formidable side that will push our squad to dig deep, even though this is a friendly match,” she said.

“Banyana Banyana needs all the game time possible ahead of the World Cup – we know that Coach Des and the technical team are working tirelessly to ensure that the players are well prepared. We will continue to encourage the team to seize every opportunity presented to them and wish them all the best. May they play their hearts out knowing that we as South Africans are behind them all the way.”