South Africa Ready To Face Women’s World Cup Pressure

South Africa stumbled at the first hurdle when they made their Women’s World Cup debut in 2019 but the team will head to this year’s tournament with much more confidence and a different mindset as they learn to cope with the pressure of being regional champions at global soccer’s showpiece event.

Nicknamed ‘Banyana Banyana’, the team finished bottom of their group at the 2019 World Cup in France as they lost all their three games and managed to score only once.

But they did not let the disappointment put them down.

South Africa went on to win their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title last year – establishing their dominance ahead of this year’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

“There’s obviously pressure because now Africa is looking to see great a result from us,” goalkeeper Andile Dlamini told FIFA+ in an interview on Wednesday. “Not only our country but all of Africa because we are African champions.

“We go out there understanding that we are going to compete with everyone at the same level.”

At this year’s World Cup, South Africa will begin their Group G campaign against world number three Sweden before facing Argentina and Italy. It will be South Africa’s only second World Cup appearance.

Dlamini, who was part of the WAFCON-winning team, said a tough challenge awaits them.

“I think they’re tough opponents, but we are also there for a reason. This is our second time and anything is possible when it’s 11 v 11 on that field of play. It is going to be a tough one, but we are also ready for it,” the 30-year-old added.

While their campaign in 2019 was underwhelming, the players have learnt their lessons. Dlamini said their biggest takeaway was to convert their goal-scoring chances.

“Also, we need to play more compact and not lose discipline on the field of play. We need to understand that the World Cup is not the same as any other level,” she explained.

Coach Desiree Ellis, who has been at the helm since 2016, has played a big role in the team’s progress and influenced the nature of women’s soccer in South Africa.

“I think she just changed how football is in South Africa. We’ve been doing great under her supervision, and I think she and her technical team deserves a round of applause for their hard work,” Dlamini added.

Called ‘Dez’ by the players, the long-serving coach has built a family-like bond.

“When players want to play for you, it’s because you have created that bond and you understand that I’m your mother and you are my kids. We all make mistakes and we all do a whole lot of things. But every player wants to be happy, and with Banyana Banyana, we are happy,” Dlamini said.