Johannesburg - There was a pause before Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw answered how she would define a successful Olympics campaign because of the gulf in class between the South African team and their opponents.
The answer isn’t straightforward with 40 places separating Banyana Banyana (52) and the lowest ranked nation they will face in the global showpiece.
The hosts, Brazil (8th), Sweden (6th) and China (12th) make up Group E where Banyana Banyana will be lucky if they get a point. That’s why their targets aren’t as straightforward as those of nations who can quantify success by the type of medal they finish with.
“It is difficult to say ahead of the tournament because we are ranked 52 in the world while our opponents are ranked in the top 12,” Pauw said.
“They are all top nations. China are growing from what they were in the previous decade. It’s really difficult to say. We should make the most of this opportunity. People will see that we are improving.
"We must make a mark and leave a legacy so that we are not ignored anymore. (Overseas) countries must want to come to South Africa and play us.
“The Netherlands, when I was coach, are the only country, excluding African countries, who came to South Africa to play here. It’s ridiculous for a top national like South Africa.
"Other countries must come to play us here so that we don’t have to always travel away (to play competitive matches). People will see that being ranked 52 doesn’t reflect on what kind of competition they will get from us. It shows because after the United States game many agents have approached us for players which is our other aim, to help the players get professional contracts abroad.
"They would get a different life because they deserve it.”
If these players can attract interest from being seen only in the Netherlands, where goalkeeper Roxanne Barker has been signed, and US – then global exposure in the Olympics will do them a world of good.
That’s why Pauw was like an army general on Tuesday in Chloorkop when they held their training session. She blew her whistle as much as she breathed, working on perfecting even the smallest problems that resulted in a stop-start-stop session after they worked on their set-pieces.
There was one scary moment when Jermaine Seoposenwe went down with an injury. But after she was examined it proved to be nothing serious. Today they will play a practice match before they leave for Brazil on Saturday.
Once in Brazil, they will play New Zealand on Thursday next week to finalise their preparations. Six days later they will start their Olympics campaign against Sweden, then China and end it with Brazil.
The top two teams in the three women’s group will advance to the knockout stage along with two best third-placed nations.
Banyana Banyana are likely to be back in the country by then, but hopefully not forgotten if Pauw has her way.
The Star