Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says Banyana Banyana’s triumph in the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will help the country establish itself as an inviting sports tourism destination.
Banyana Banyana were crowned the continent’s new queens after defeating hosts Morocco 2 – 1 in the first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
“South Africa is internationally regarded as a favourite destination for sporting competitions, thanks to a wonderful track record as host nation dating back to 1995, when the Springboks won their debut World Cup.
“This was closely followed by Bafana Bafana winning the Africa Cup of Nations a year later. These achievements were followed by our historic hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the world’s biggest sporting event,” Sisulu said in a statement.
“We hope this significant victory by Banyana will also ignite much-needed support for SA women’s sport and place it on par with other men’s sporting code,” she said.
Sisulu stated that Banyana Banyana’s triumph has improved the country’s strong status as a world-class sporting destination and would considerably fuel the sports tourism market – a sector that is slowly recovering after being severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the thousands of fans and tourists when we host the Cape Town Seven Rugby Series in December. We cannot wait for the thousands of fans who will be gracing our shores when we host the Netball World Cup in 2023 in Cape Town,” the Minister said.
Last Monday, a sea of green and gold fans, South African flags, and placards welcomed Banyana Banyana back home at OR Tambo International Airport.