Banyana Banyana Shift Focus To WAFCON Debutants Burundi

The SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana have put their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opening match heroics against Nigeria behind them and they have now turned their full attention on the coming assignment against tournament debutants Burundi on Thursday evening.

Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges have been one of the top trending topics since their stunning 2-1 win against the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Monday, but the South African senior women’s national team mentor now wants her players to attend to the task at hand against Burundi and secure the victory they need to cement a path to the quarterfinals.

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“We are always looking for improved performances, to be better and to get better. We always want to make sure that we don’t concede,” said Ellis.

“We also need to make sure that we [keep our concentration]. We have watched Burundi over a number of games against Tanzania, Uganda and recently against Botswana. They pose a threat but like I said, we don’t want to underestimate any team because every game is a new game.”

Speaking on behalf of her team-mates, midfielder Amogelang Motau said the win against the defending champions on Monday night boosted confidence in the camp. But Motau echoed her coach and said it was very important to refocus and fully concentrate on the threat posed by Burundi.

“It’s no secret that it was a big game [against Nigeria], and I think winning the game was a confidence-booster for the team. But it was not a surprise because it was something that we have prepared for. It was a good start and gave us momentum going into the next game. It is all history now and we have to shift our focus to the next game [against Burundi,” said Motau

Banyana Banyana will face Burundi on Thursday 7 July 2022 at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan (Kick off is at 19:00 South Africa time). The game will be live on SABC Sport channels and Supersport TV.

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ELLIS SAYS THEY’LL UNDERESTIMATE NO ONE

After the victory in the first match against the WAFCON defending champions Nigeria, Ellis emphasized that no team should be underestimated in the tournament. “We won’t underestimate any team that is here. I have watched the previous games and one should underestimate a team at your own peril, and this game [against Nigeria] is now behind us. We just need to show consistency,” she told the media.

“This victory is for everyone back home, all the coaches that have put in the great work and the people that are connected to women’s football. We know there are some challenges back home and we are trying to give hope to our country.”