Watch as Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, players Janine van Wyk and Andile Dlamini, as well as Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan speak to the media at the team’s Fifa Women’s World Cup send-off.
Banyana will be participating in their first-ever World Cup after a second-place finish at the Women’s African Cup of Nations last year, where they only lost to Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out.
South Africa will open their campaign against Spain on 8 June in Le Havre, and will then have matches against China PR on 13 June, and Germany on 17 June in Paris and Montpellier respectively to conclude the group stages.
Ellis, Van Wyk and Dlamini all spoke of their pride leading South Africa to their first-ever World Cup and gave thanks to their lead sponsor Sasol for the send-off they received on Thursday morning at the company’s head office in Sandton.
Safa president Jordaan spoke of the side’s bonus structure for the tournament and about plans to host the showpiece event in 2023.
The Sasol building has erupted as @Banyana_Banyana have arrived for their #FIFAWWC send off! pic.twitter.com/u9vhIngRqh
— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) May 23, 2019
Watch Ellis’ full interview:
The party has started as we wait for the team to arrive! pic.twitter.com/Uxw3XjAgko
— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) May 23, 2019
Watch Van Wyk’s full interview:
@Banyana_Banyana captain @Janinevanwyk5 believes the team will make the country proud at the #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/vbOkFJaQ9a
— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) May 23, 2019
Watch Dlamini’s full interview:
“EFrance yila siyakhona.” @Banyana_Banyana goalkeeper @andile16sticks_ #SiyayaeFrance #DareToShine pic.twitter.com/H0c9hel5JH
— Busisiwe Mokwena, FIFA (@FIFAWWC_RSA) May 23, 2019
Watch Jordaan’s full interview: