Banyana Banyana set for exciting test against European champions England

By Chad Klate
30th July 2024

SABC Sport can confirm Banyana Banyana are set to jet out to England later this year to test themselves against the FIFA Women's World Cup runners-up.

The reigning Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions will take on the reigning Women's European champions in a once-off international friendly in Coventry on 29 October 2024.

The clash will form part of coach Desiree Ellis' preparations for their continental title defence at the 2024 WAFCON, which has been moved to July 2025 and is scheduled for Morocco.

Meanwhile, the Lionesses are also sharpening their own swords ahead of the 2025 UEFA EUROS, scheduled for the same July 2025 period to be hosted in Switzerland.

England coach Sarina Wiegman believes the South Africans will form a crucial part of their build-up to the European finals, with clashes against Germany, USA, and Switzerland also confirmed.

"Our preparations for the EURO start now. Securing our place at the tournament next summer, without the need to participate in the play-offs, gives us the maximum time to prepare for the challenge that awaits us in Switzerland," Wiegman told England's FA.

"With the current UEFA Women’s Nations League format, the opportunities to play friendlies are limited. Therefore, I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to carefully select our opponents and give ourselves four very different and difficult challenges to aid our preparation.

"Each nation has a different style of play, a variety of strengths and that will test us in different ways."

England will face Germany at Wembley four days prior to their test with Banyana, before welcoming the USWNT to the national stadium in November and concluding their 2024 fixtures by hosting the Swiss at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in early December.

“Being able to take the team across the country is also very important to us and we’re pleased to be heading back to Coventry and Sheffield and two excellent stadiums.

"We have happy memories from both cities and I have no doubt the fans will come out in their numbers to support the team, as they always do,” Wiegman concluded.

Be sure to catch the clash featuring Banyana LIVE on SABC Sport – broadcast details to be confirmed.