Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk believes her side put up a great fight against the Netherlands, who are currently ranked seventh in the world, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The South African Women’s national team suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Dutch nation in their first-ever inaugural Winnie Mandela International Challenge at Cape Town City on Saturday.

This was Banyana’s first game of 2019 as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Fifa Women’s World Cup in France later this year.

Van Wyk, who was substituted in the second half due to a niggling groin injury, says she is pleased with their overall performance and felt they had the quality to win the game against the current European champions.

‘It was unfortunate for us to concede early in the game, it’s not what we wanted. Going into the game, we wanted to keep it tight and as compact as possible because we know how clinical they are in front of goal,’ Van Wyk said.

‘In the first two minutes we conceded the first one and we needed to clean up, and I think after 25 minutes or so we kind of settled in again and we played our game – keeping the ball on the ground, moving the ball fast, making one-two touches and getting the goal back. Thembi did very well to compose herself in front of goal with defenders putting pressure on her from behind with the goalkeeper to beat.

‘So I think overall, it was a good challenge for us and I think we put up a good fight against them. Playing a team that’s ranked seventh in the world is not easy to get a result. We missed a couple of chances that could have tied the game, or even won the game. Hopefully next time it will be an even better result and performance from the team.’

Banyana Banyana will again be in action on Tuesday when they welcome Sweden to Cape Town Stadium, with kick-off set for 7pm.

Photo:  Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix