Banyana Banyana took time off their training schedule on Thursday, 28 May to visit school children in Dobsonville.

Banyana Banyana took time off their training schedule on Thursday, 28 May to visit school children in Dobsonville.

The squad is in camp in preparation for the upcoming second leg clash against Gabon in the Rio 2016 Ollympic qualifiers.

The match will take place on Sunday, 31 May at the Dobsonville Stadium, and kicks off at 15h00.

South Africa won the first 3-2 with two goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and one from Sanah Mollo.

Led by head coach Vera Pauw and captain Janine van Wyk, the ladies started their day at George Khosa Secondary School where they were mobbed by excited pupils.

The next stop was Forte High School where a similar scene played out again, but this time on a bigger scale with the school children looking for autographs and photographs with the players.

The last school was DSJ Primary where it was quieter with the little ones.

At all the three venues, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana handed out tickets for the Sunday match, autographed cards and also posed for photos with the learners. They also presented the principals of each school with a framed and autographed Banyana Banyana jersey.

“There is no better fulfillment than seeing the children happy at the visit of the team. We went to all the three schools and were welcomed with enthusiasm. For us, this is what it is all about – giving back to the community. We are well aware that some of these learners will not be able to make it to the game on Sunday, but we also know that we have left a lasting memory and for us that is very important,” said Pauw.

Her words were echoed by the captain.

“We have made it a point at Banyana Banyana to have such activities whenever we are in camp as we know how much they mean to the players and the people we visit. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children in Dobsonville really showed us that this is a worthwhile exercise. Even though we are also here to garner support for our match against Gabon, we also know that some have realised their dreams of seeing Banyana Banyana up close and personal, and that for us is priceless. We are also here to inspire some of them that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you are determined you can make it,” said Van Wyk.

The squad resumes training in the afternoon.

Gabon has already arrived in South Africa.