Banyana appeal for support against Zimbabwe

Banyana Banyana midfielder Amanda Dlamini has called on fans to come in numbers to be part of the international friendly match against Zimbabwe.

Johannesburg - Banyana Banyana midfielder Amanda Dlamini has called on fans to come in numbers to be part of the international friendly match against Zimbabwe which she views as more of a celebration than a football match, even though meetings between the two nations always result in fierce battles.

South Africa and Zimbabwe lock horns on Sunday at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa. Kickoff is at 15h00.

Dlamini says the match means a lot to the Southern Hemisphere.

“It's very exciting because we need to appreciate and celebrate that both South Africa and Zimbabwe - Southern Hemisphere countries - have qualified for the Olympic Games. It's good for the development of the region, it shows we are going in the right direction,” said Dlamini.

“It is very important that the public is aware that both Southern Hemisphere countries will be representing the whole continent in Rio, so we need as much as support as we can to make this match a memorable one - especially for both teams. I urge everyone to come in numbers to support not only Banyana Banyana but also Zimbabwe who will be going to their first ever Olympic Games.” Dlamini expects a very tough encounter against their neighbours as history has proven that meetings between the two nations are never easy affairs.

“Every time we play Zimbabwe we know it is tough because they love running at us, they enjoy playing Banyana Banyana because they always want to prove that they are just as good. So this time around we are both preparing and it will be good to see how far we have both come with preparations ahead of the Olympic Games. It's a grudge game because no one between the two ever wants to lose. I think that's what makes it a great spectacle in prospect for the fans,” added Dlamini.

After the Zimbabwe clash, Banyana Banyana will then prepare for two international friendly matches against The Netherlands. The first clash against the Orange Lionesses is pencilled in for Saturday, 4 June, at Mandemakers Stadium, RKC Waalwijk in Waalwijk in The Netherlands. It will be played behind closed doors with a 15h00 kickoff.

The second will take place at the same venue but in front of spectators on Tuesday, 7 June 2016. Kickoff is at 19h00 start. The Netherlands is currently ranked 13th in the world, while South Africa is 54th. - African News Agency (ANA)