1 October 2021 – One of Banyana Banyana’s seasoned players, Mamello Makhabane believes Angola should not be undermined when the two sides meet at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium later this afternoon (Friday , 1 October 2021) for their second pool game in the COSAFA Cup (kick-off, 15h30). 

Angola kicked off their campaign with a solid 2-2 draw against Mozambique while South Africa edged Malawi 2-1 in their opening game to top Group A. Angola occupies the second spot. 

Banyana Banyana who won the last four editions of the COSAFA Cup, will be hoping to come out victorious and progress to the next stage of the competition with their eyes set on record breaking fifth title in a row.

“The game against Angola will be a tough one because every team that comes up against us want to prove a point and beat us. We played against them last year in the same competition and we won 2-0. However, this does not mean we have to take them for granted because it will be a different ball game,’’ said Makhabane.

“We are going to fight and make sure that we deliver on the day. 

“The girls are also motivated and the preparations have been going well because we understand the importance of this tournament,” concluded Makhabane.

After the COSAFA Cup tournament, Banyana Banyana will commence with their AWCON journey with the first qualifier match away to Mozambique later in October. 

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis who has previously stated the importance of each tournament to prepare for the next one, will be using this particular tournament to polish her squad.