Banyana Banyana’s preparations for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup received a significant boost when coach Desiree Ellis’ charges were confirmed as participants in the Turkish Women’s Cup this month.
The competition will take place between February 13 and 23. Participating nations also include Slovenia, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Zambia.
Sunday World reported on the SA Football Association’s (Safa) plans to enter Banyana into the event on the weekend, after Banyana’s participation in the Cyprus Cup was ruled out.
Ellis is pleased that the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s soccer squad will meet the host nation of Turkey on February 15 and Uzbekistan three days later. On February 21, Banyana will play their final match against Venezuela. The Gold City Sport Complex will host all of the matches.
Ellis stated on the Safa website, “We are thrilled to be attending the Turkish Cup. In our group in the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, we face European resistance from Sweden and Italy, as well as South American opposition from Argentina.
“We are thrilled and appreciative to be competing against a European nation in the Turkish Women’s Cup. We also face the Asian nation of Uzbekistan, followed by the South American nation of Venezuela.
As the countdown to the Fifa Women’s World Cup proceeds, Ellis remarked that she is delighted with the level of competition, as every team meets the criteria. The World Cup will be held between 20 July and 20 August.
“Yes, it is a good start to our preparations, and we would also like to thank the South African Football Association for their efforts to obtain us the European and South American opponents that we desire.
“I would also want to thank Sasol for their partnership and assistance. We are looking forward to the upcoming camp in order to determine what we still need to improve on and, of course, to prepare for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”
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