Banyana intensify World Cup preparations

Fresh from playing international friendly matches against the Netherlands and Sweden in Cape Town last month, Banyana Banyana take their preparations for the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup a level higher when they assemble for camp today (Wednesday, 20 February 2019).

The squad will play in the Cyprus Women’s Cup, which runs from 27 February to 6 March.

South Africa finished in sixth place last year – they face Finland, the Czech Republic and Korea DPR in Group A.

The 2019 Cyprus Women’s Cup will be the 12thedition of the tournament, an invitational 12-nation women’s football tournament held annually in Cyprus.

Head coach Desiree Ellis has named a squad of 23 players – all of whom were part of the friendly matches against the Netherlands and Sweden.

The Fifa Women’s World Cup tournament will be held in France from 7 June to 7 July.

“We are back in camp to continue with preparations for the World Cup, and as we approach the start of the Cyprus Cup, this indicates we are edging closer and closer to our maiden World Cup tournament. We will be playing four top quality matches in Cyprus and at the end of the tournament we will not only know how far we are in terms of preparations but also which players will be ready for the World Cup,” said Ellis.

“Only 23 players will go to the World Cup, so right now it is a serious battle for places in the final squad. The Cyprus Cup is an opportunity for players to further raise their hands, and this does not mean that those not in the current squad don’t stand a chance – until the final squad is announced, everyone still has an opportunity to play in the World Cup, even though we can’t have too many changes.”

Banyana Banyana depart for Cyprus on Saturday, 23 February 2019, with their first match against Finland four days later (27 February).