Banyana Reach for Olympic Glory

Less than a week after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Africa’s dominant force in women’s football, Banyana Banyana tackle these arch-enemies on their soil again today, in search of that elusive 1½ Olympic qualifications afforded to Africa at next year’s Olympic Games, in Beijing.

In search of that goal, South Africa face a final-round four-nation round-robin tournament against Ghana, Ethiopia and Nigeria, the first match of which starts today at the Abuja National Stadium, and will last until the beginning of 2008.

Getting the away match against Nigeria over as an opening match can be considered a benefit to coach Augustine Makalakalane, who will be more sure of his charges’ prospects in their home matches against Ghana and Ethiopia, which follow in the next four weeks.

The tournament is run according to regular rules, including a double-weighted away-goal rule which Makalakalane will be keen for his strikers to take advantage of in Nigeria today.

He will be hampered by the unavailability of Janine van Wyk in defence, sidelined against Nigeria in their opening match at the All Africa Games, but the team management is confident in the abilities of replacement Gloria Thato.

The availability of Belinda Nkosi, a dependable senior member of the popular team is unconfirmed, and they will also be without promising talent in Antonio Carelse.

But the Super Falcons’ chances are also not up to full strength, with reports that former African Footballer of the Year, Perpetua Nkwocha has returned to club commitments with her Swedish club in Europe.

Banyana performed ably in her absence in the opening All Africa Games clash, where a 2-all draw pumped up South Africa’s chances.

Round-Robin Olympic Qualifiers:
Sat 28 July: Away against Nigeria (Abuja)
Sat 11 Aug: Home against Ethiopia (Pretoria)
Sat 25 Aug: Home against Ghana (Pretoria)
Break until December 2007, when Return Legs Commence