Cape Town – It was an historic occasion facing the world and Olympic champions for the first time, and even though the USA beat Banyana Banyana 1-0 in Chicago on Saturday, coach Vera Pauw says she is still “proud” of her team.
Many would’ve expected the No 1-ranked USA to demolish Banyana, who are at 52 on the official Fifa world list, with both teams using the game as part of their build-up to the Rio Olympics in August.
But in front of nearly 20 000 spectators at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, Banyana “were not overawed by the occasion and went toe to toe” with the Americans, according to the SA Football Association website.
Some media reports and Twitter users in the US singled out South African captain Janine van Wyk for special praise for a strong performance, with calls for one of the professional clubs to sign her for the National Women’s Soccer League in America.
Banyana coach Pauw tweeted in response: “So which club is picking her up for a contract? You will not regret it! Which club has the guts to sign her?”
Pauw added that it was the “first time I am proud on a defeat… although I hate losing” after watching her side battle it out with the US. Van Wyk and goalkeeper Roxanne Barker – who was recently signed by Dutch club Heerenveen – made a number of timely tackles and saves to keep the home side at bay.
But the South Africans’ resistance crumbled in the 35th minute when winger Crystal Dunn beat Barker at the far-post from a cross by Mallory Pugh, with ESPN reporting that Banyana “should have done better with the ball before it ever reached Dunn”.
US coach Jill Ellis told the Chicago Tribune that “it wasn’t our best performance”, with Dunn – who netted the 13th goal of her international career – telling ESPN that Banyana acquitted themselves well on such a big stage.
“South Africa is obviously in the Olympics as well, and they’re giving their all. And they had a good game as well. I think, for us, we're all coming off NWSL seasons, playing a lot of minutes. The league is very intense, and obviously everything that’s going on with us mentally – yes, we are all preparing for the roster (final US team for the Olympics) to be announced. But it’s really no excuse. This wasn’t a good performance.”
There was another memorable moment when former captain Amanda Dlamini came on as a substitute in the 60th minute in place of Linda Motlhalo to earn her 100th cap for Banyana.
Dlamini is the fifth South African to reach the milestone for Banyana behind Van Wyk (131 caps), Nompumelelo Nyandeni – who earned her 125th cap on Saturday – Noko Matlou and Portia Modise (both 124).
For South Africa, it was a major step forward as they had come two consecutive away defeats to the Netherlands last month. “What a great experience playing against the US today! Incredible crowd. A moment I’ll cherish forever! Thanks to every South African for the support,” Van Wyk said on Twitter.
Banyana’s final Olympic warm-up game will be against New Zealand in Brazil on July 28, six days before their competition opener against Sweden on August 3. They take on China on August 6 and then complete their group phase against hosts Brazil on August 9.
– @IndyCapeSport