SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan hailed a gallant Basetsana for their 3-2 victory over Zambia on Saturday, 10 October in a 2016 Papua New Guinea FIFA u20 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Dr Jordaan said he was confident that Basetsana will do the country proud.

“You emerged victorious from what was, without doubt, the most difficult match of your lives,” said Dr Jordaan after the match.

The SAFA President had visited Basetsana the night before the match to wish them well.

“I am proud of you; you are close to completing your journey, you have one more hurdle to overcome and next you will be Papua New Guinea,” added Dr Jordaan.

“You will be facing an even stronger opposition in Nigeria, who are perhaps more experienced than you are in such competitions, but what matters is what happens on the day.

“Today you displayed great mental strength and ability to down Zambia, go with the same attitude when you face Nigeria and put women’s football in South Africa on the map. Nigeria are a formidable side, but it doesn’t mean they cannot be beaten. You have it in you to change all that. All the best.”

Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba echoed his words.

“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the girls on a fine win. I heard it was not an easy match but you have made all of us proud. You are now facing an even steeper hill as you climb to the top, but then again, let me assure you, it seems impossible until it is done. Go out there and do the best you can,” said Mashaba from Honduras where Bafana Bafana will face the host nation in an international friendly match on Tuesday.

“I would have loved to be there to give you my support but national duty calls. Hopefully, I will be around when you face Nigeria. I saw your confidence when I came to the airport to welcome you back from Zambia and now go for the next challenge and conquer.”

Dr Jordaan and Mashaba also wished Banyana Banyana well.

“You are just 90 minutes away from booking your flight to Brazil, and if I look back at the first leg, I have confidence that you will return victorious from Equatorial Guinea. I hear they have never lost in their backyard, but history is there to be broken. I believe this is your time,” said Dr Jordaan.

“Victory is almost certain. You have it in you to do well when your backs are against the wall. You went to Kenya and came back all smiles, go to Equatorial Guinea and do the same. We are behind you all the way and we will have you in our prayers,” added Mashaba.