Thalea Smidt: Opening match a must-win in the Cosafa Women’s Championship

Banyana B Team will face neighbours Namibia when the continental showpiece resumes in Gqeberha next Tuesday.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Smidt believes it won’t be an easy encounter but hopes the team will go all out for a win - understanding what is at stake.

"For us now, the most important game would be the first game because we know in tournament football winning a first game is the most important part. Not saying that the other games are not important but that would be our priority focus,” Smidt said.

“Then after the first game taking it game by game, so we are playing against our neighbouring country in Namibia, it's not gonna be an easy one since it's gonna be both of our first games of the tournaments and I think South Africa in 2022, the most recent game, South Africa won 1-0. So, the score line shows the type of opponent Namibia is."

READ: Desiree Ellis and Maude Khumalo announced squads for international friendlies and COSAFA Women’s Championships

Smidt is one of the most experienced players in coach Maude Khumalo’s 21-player squad, with 14 senior national caps, and having played for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies for three years since 2021 and now with University of Pretoria Ladies.

She however doesn’t want to put too much pressure on herself.

"I come with a good stack of experience, however, I don't wanna put too much pressure on myself and I just want to do my best when being called upon. Obviously, the type of person that I am, I would try and impart [knowledge], try and encourage and motivate, just do what is in my control but I trust that if everyone has one objective, one goal, I think it can be achieved."