Dlamini takes positive outlook from Banyana defeats

By Mazola Molefe
8th December 2022

Banyana Banyana’s preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup have not inspired confidence so far following three successive defeats, but goalkeeper Andile Dlamini takes a positive outlook from those high-profile fixtures.

Coach Desiree Ellis’ side got thumped 3-0 and 6-0 by Brazil and then lost 4-1 to Australia.

Dlamini argues that SAFA organised the matches with the intention to test Banyana, who will face Sweden, Italy and Argentina at the global showpiece.

"I'm not too worried. Actually, I'm not worried because you play such games for experience. Where are they ranked in the world? Where are we ranked in the world? How many players do we have that play overseas? How many players do they have that play overseas that play for very big clubs," Dlamini said.

"Clubs with great facilities. Then when you come to South Africa the only club that has great facilities is Mamelodi Sundowns and the rest is patch, patch, you patch here, you patch there,"

In fact, the Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper insists that this is the only way to get better, holding the view that there are definitely areas Ellis can build on.

"I think 60% or 70% of our team is made of South African players then the rest play overseas like Refiloe Jane. So, I'm not too worried because we learnt a lot from those friendlies," she added.

"If we could maintain Brazil for 35 minutes it shows that we are capable of maintaining any team for 90 minutes. As long as we get more friendlies and tough friendlies up until the World Cup,"

Dlamini doesn’t want to put pressure on her teammates, but is confident Banyana won’t just make up the numbers in their group if they put in the hard work behind the scenes.

"For me I think we have to work extremely hard you know and I think that we need to be smart as possible because we are capable of doing great in the World Cup. Not to put too much pressure on ourselves but we need to make sure that we respect the game because it's December time and we are not playing any competition.

We are resting from the season that we've just had. A long one where we played qualifiers as well, we've played Hollywoodbets, we've played COSAFA. What is needed here is respect for the game, training even when the coach doesn't tell you to. Making sure that you eat right, that's important. So that you don't gain weight. So that you are at least not far from what the coach wants you to be," she concluded.