Pretoria – Banyana Banyana have been knocked out of the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup by the Netherlands who scored two goals without conceding in Sydney.
Back home the South Africans have been praised for their efforts, but murmurs of discontent have begun with questions around the choice of goalkeeper Kaylin Swart ahead of Andile Dlamini.
However, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Goodenough Zizi Kodwa has expressed his pride at Banyana Banyana’s performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Impressed with their effort to reach the knockout stages, Minister Kodwa said Banyana Banyana “went out fighting”.
“Despite their loss against the Netherlands, who are ranked ninth in the FIFA World Rankings, Banyana Banyana inspired and lifted the country with their performances in the tournament,” the minister said.
In the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Banyana Banyana became the first ever senior South African national women’s or men’s football team to qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
“Banyana Banyana fought bravely and made history in the World Cup. The team inspired and made South Africa proud with their performances in the tournament,” said Minister Kodwa.
“By going toe-to-toe with the world’s best teams, Banyana Banyana showed that they belong on the world’s top football stage.
“This is a special team who are African champions and have continuously inspired on and off the field.
The minister added: “Banyana Banyana’s efforts in the FIFA Women’s World Cup mean so much for the country and emphasise once again the importance of supporting women’s sport and sports development at grassroots level.
“Our immediate task in working with relevant stakeholders is the establishment of a professional women’s league.
“It is my expectation that Banyana Banyana’s success will not be in vain.”
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said: “South Africa can be very proud of this team.”
The Netherlands will meet Spain on Friday in the last eight.
