Banyana ready to rumble against Reggae Girlz

Banyana Banyana will face the Reggae Girls of Jamaica in the first of two international friendly matches on Friday 29 November 2024 at 20h00 local time at Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The two matches will be the last of the year for the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team as they wrap up 2024 ahead of next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morrocco.

The reigning African champions will have their last training session this evening ahead of what promises to be a quality game of football between the two nations ranked 42nd and 50th in the Fifa rankings.

Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis will be looking to try out new combinations, while also seeking to maintain a solid defense. Speaking to safa.net, Dr Ellis said that they were looking forward to a high pace match against a side that has also held its own against very strong opponents in their region.

“The Jamaicans will give us a good run for our money. We will be looking to ensure that we build on keeping the ball, creating and converting chances, but also maintaining our defensive structure,” said Dr Ellis.

“Now that the draw for the 2024 WAFCON is out, we are focusing on how we will play against the opponents we have in our group. However, as much as we are preparing for our opponents, we are also looking at players that may end up making our WAFCON squad. We have brought many young players to Jamaica who have raised their hands up in the league, and this is a great opportunity for them to fight for spots in the national team.”

South Africa were drawn in Group C in next year’s WAFCON and will play against West African sides Ghana and Mali, and Eastern Africans Tanzania.

The first match between Jamaica and South Africa will be played at 20h00 local time (03h00 in South Africa). The second international friendly will be played on 2 December at 19h00 at the same venue.