Banyana Train Ahead of New Zealand Warm-Up

The South African Senior Women’s National team (Banyana Banyana) has arrived in Paralimni, Cyprus for their final preparations before the annual 12-Nations Cyprus Women’s Cup 2013 that kicks-off on Wednesday, 6 March 2013.

The Sasol-sponsored senior women’s national team will use this final week of preparation to acclimatise and finalise combinations before their opening Group C match (14h30 local time) against South Korea on Wednesday, at the Tasos Marko Stadium in Paralimni.

Banyana Banyana mentor Joseph Mkhonza has been happy with the developments in the team thus far, and he will be hoping that early arrival in camp will further benefit the team’s preparations.

“Being in Cyprus a week before the kick-off of the tournament will allow us all the opportunity to get used to the weather patterns in this country. It would be very important for us to prepare well for this tournament with the aim being to play for a better position in this years’ competition,” said Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza.

“We would once again like to thank SAFA and Sasol for the continued support of Women’s Football in South Africa, by allowing our girls to compete at the highest levels of international football,.” said Mkhonza.

The team will train twice a day on Wednesday (27 February 2013) and Thursday (28 February) in Paralimni and will train once on Friday at the match venue in preparation for the friendly match against New Zealand, on Saturday 2 March, at the Alpha Sports Centre in Larnaca.

Captain, Amanda Dlamini added that the mood in camp is at an all-time high, with everybody competing for a place in the team.

“The introduction of the five new caps has brought about a positive competitive and vibrant spirit to the team,” said Dlamini. “Our preparations are on track, and everyone is looking forward to the next two weeks of the tournament.

“We have set ourselves a target this year, and everyone is looking to ensure that we get there.”