Andile Dlamini adamant Banyana benefits from Mamelodi Sundowns CAF glory

The Brazilians won their second continental title in three years, with Dlamini voted tournament goalkeeper after keeping a clean sheet in all four matches in Ivory Coast. 

Apart from exposure for a few more of her teammates, Dlamini believes this offers the women's national team a boost ahead of the WAFCON and Olympic qualifications.

"These tournaments prepare us physically, mentally and also, it's exposure for other youngsters in the team, to actually raise their hands so they're selected for the national team", said Dlamini upon the team's arrival from West Africa.

"I think it's also a preparation mentally for individuals who are playing for Banyana Banyana. You get to see that we played against teams that came up with a lot of tactics and playing styles," she continued.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis names her squad on Thursday to get their WAFCON title defence underway with Burkina Faso the opponent, a side that will be different from a tactical point of view compared to a DR Congo team they faced in the Olympic Games qualifiers.

Sundowns are getting accoustomed to playing a variety of opponents, Dlamini argues.

"Our coach mentioned this tournament is a difficult one because 'This one will play low-block, this one would do this.' And I think that prepares you mentally.

"The challenges that you face in Africa, behind the scenes prepare you mentally for the national team.

"I believe that each and every player that's in the team has gained experience."

Another consideration is the international experience of the Sundowns team, which undoubtedly rubs off on the younger players.

Dlamini believes this is one of the reasons they keep winning.

"At Mamelodi Sundowns we have a winning mentality and taking into consideration the fact that you have players that play for the national team with experience amongst each other, but not only are they the only players with experience they are players that played abroad."