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Banyana Banyana star Andile Dlamini feels Brazil is the perfect test after winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they now prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banyana face off against the Copa América Femenina champions this afternoon in their first game on home soil since being crowned African champions in Morocco against a side ranked ninth in the world.
Pia Sundhage’s side who won the record-extending eighth Copa title in Colombia last month are using this clash also as preparation for the Mundial set to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year with the official draw set to take place later this month.
With climates similar to that of Australasia and an African opponent expected to be drawn in their group, the fixture provides both teams with top quality preparation – which Dlamini admits they are relishing against world-class opposition.
“This is a game you would love as a female footballer after winning WAFCON because they are tougher opponents, they are champions,” Dlamini said at Orlando Stadium on Thursday morning.
“We have to go even higher you know, we have to get higher opponents than Brazil, we played against the Netherlands before we went to AFCON and it showed where we needed to improve.
“I know that with tougher opponents, we grow, we enjoy and as a player, you don’t want to be at the same level. The more you play tougher opponents the more you grow individually and as a team.”
‘Sticks’ as she’s affectionately know stated she’s hoping the supporters come out in their numbers to provide a boost needed and went on to explain – how they have changed their mental state since returning from North Africa as champions.
“Yeah, it’s in the township, so I’m expecting a big crowd to come and support Banyana Banayana, what we saw in Morocco was marvellous,” Dlamini said.
“I think South Africans can do that, so I urge all South Africans to get their tickets at the Engen garage, Orlando, the Sasol garage and fill the stadiums.”
She continued: “You have goals as a team, after reaching them, there’s a bigger goal – there’s a reason you want to reach that goal because you want to qualify for the World Cup and when you have qualified for the World Cup, you have to prepare for the World Cup.
“You can’t be stuck on the past, you move away from it and focus on the new journey, so for us, it’s more about being focused and aiming for that goal, which is getting into the World Cup and doing our best.
“And how do we do that? By playing well, playing against Brazil, tougher opponents, they are champions in Copa but it’s a game of football, 11 v 11 – we just have to do our best and learn, learn, learn each and every time.”
Banyana face off against the Brazilians this afternoon at Orlando Stadium for their highly-anticipated clash (18h00)