Banyana almost ready for Oympics

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Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini in action against Nigeria.

The national women's soccer team is moving closer to being ready for their inaugural Olympic Games participation next month, captain Amanda Dlamini said on Friday.

“We are almost there, I feel, in terms of our preparations,” she said.

“I would say that this team is probably at 75 to 78 percent ready for the Olympics at the moment.”

Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza earlier this week highlighted the South African problem of not consistently finding the back of the net as an area that needed improvement from his charges.

While they easily brushed aside Tanzania and Zambia, scoring nine goals in recent matches, the team will need to be sharp to unlock some of the world's best defences in the tournament.

Banayana are in Group F, alongside Japan, Canada and Sweden, who are in the top seven in the world rankings.

Their attack in their matches in Coventry and Cardiff will be carried by Noko Matlou and the Russian-based Nompumelelo Nyandeni.

Matlou's regular striking partner Dlamini has been deployed in a deeper midfield position in recent times.

However, the midfield creativity will be bolstered by the return of former captain, Portia Modise, after ending her national team hiatus.

“We have a few days in camp and we will use the time to analyse the last match (against Zambia) and iron out tactical errors that we committed,” said Mkhonza.

“The mission for us remains going for an all-out attack.”

Another concern was potential injuries in their final preparations, with the 18-women squad announced last week not expected to change.

Some players are expected to feature for their respective clubs in the national championships later this month.

Injured star defender Janine van Wyk will be fit for the Germany camp in July, but will miss next weekend's friendly encounter against Nigeria in Lagos.

Banyana drew 1-1 with Nigeria's Super Falcons – who have never lost to the South Africans – when they met in Rustenburg two weeks ago.

They have one remaining fixture at home heading to the sporting showpiece, against the Zambians, in their African Women's Championships qualifier return leg in Nelspruit on Saturday.

While Banyana hold a 4-1 lead from the away first leg a fortnight ago, Dlamini said they still needed to give respect to the visitors when they meet at KaNyamazane Stadium.

“We will have to give them the respect they deserve,” said the captain.

“This is a new match and (we) will have to ensure that we give a good display, and not worry about the scoreline from the first leg.” – Sapa