The
South African Senior Women's National Team (Banyana Banyana) is continuing with
preparations in Nelspruit ahead of the return leg of their international
friendly match against Nigeria.
The
clash will take place at the Teslim–Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Saturday, 23
June 2012.
Kickoff
is at 16h00.
The
Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana played to a one-all draw against the West
Africans in the home leg two weeks ago (3 June) at the Royal Bafokeng Sports
Palace in Phokeng near Rustenburg.
With
the Olympic Games less than 40 days away, Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph
Mkhonza is aware that time is ticking and preparations have to be taken
seriously.
The
team has been working on video analysis of the previous encounter against
Nigeria as well the home and away encounters against Zambia in the African
Women's Championship qualifiers, which South Africa has now qualified for.
"We
are nearing this big tournament (Olympics) and with the technical assistance we
receive we are trying as hard as we can to build on the success of qualifying
for the African Women's Championship. After looking at the previous four
matches we've played in preparation for the AWC qualifiers, looking at the past
match against Zambia, we need to up the tempo in our style of play as we'll be
put the test against experienced countries in the Olympics,” said Mkhonza.
"But
our focus is now on Nigeria where we need to get a good result despite them
having the advantage of playing at home. In London we will be away from home,
and getting used to such conditions will help us a great deal. Also we have to
organise ourselves well when we lose the ball.”
Banyana
Banyana will fly out of Nigeria immediately after the match. The will arrive in
South Africa on Sunday (24 June) morning.
