Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini insists her side are ready to represent the country at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand.

The South African Women’s national team have been drawn in Group G alongside the likes of Sweden, Italy and Argentina, respectively.

South Africa will take on Sweden in their opening group stage fixture at the Wellington Regional Stadium on July 23 before taking on Argentina at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in their second match on July 28.

Desiree Ellis’ side will take on Italy in their final group stage encounter at the Wellington Regional Stadium on August 2, as they look to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.

However, Dlamini admits they are facing a tough battle in the group stages against “great” teams but she insists they will be ready for anything that gets thrown at them.

“Sweden, Italy and Argentina: they are great teams that do wonders and they are supported in their countries,” Dlamini told Fifa.com.

“They play professionally. I think they’re tough opponents, but we are also there for a reason. This is our second time and anything is possible when it’s 11 v 11 on that field of play. It is going to be a tough one, but we are also ready for it.

After being crowned Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time and qualifying for the World Cup, Dlamini admits there is added pressure to succeed as the number one team in Africa.

“Yes, there’s obviously pressure because now Africa is looking to see great a result from us. Not only our country in South Africa, but all of Africa because we are African champions,” she added.

“We go out there understanding that we are going to compete with everyone at the same level.”

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