16 August 2022 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Banyana Banyana for becoming one of the African nations to qualify for the Women’s World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
The SASOL-sponsored South African senior women’s national team, crowned as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions recently, qualified along with WAFCON finalists Morocco and semifinalists Zambia and Nigeria.
In a letter sent to South African Football Association president Dr Danny Jordaan on Tuesday 16 August 2022, Infantino wished coach Desiree Ellis’ charges all the best ahead of their second appearance in the Women’s World Cup.
“On behalf of the entire football community, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your women’s national team for your qualification. The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 will undoubtedly be a celebration of sporting excellence and a source of inspiration for millions of girls and women around the world, contributing to the boosting of women’s football
worldwide,” he said.
“This will be South Africa’s second consecutive participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and I wish them all the best for the next tournament. Reiterating my most sincere congratulations, I hope, dear President, to see you again soon.”