In the lead-up to Friday’s crucial Olympic Games qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have signaled their unwavering determination to secure victory, with defender Lebhang Ramalepe issuing a stern warning to their opponents.
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Ramalepe emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming fixture, describing it as a “do-or-die” encounter for both teams, given their shared disappointment of missing out on the last Olympics
However, she expressed South Africa’s heightened desperation for victory, citing the immense importance of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
” This coming game will be tough. It’s going to be really tough. Remember that the two teams we both missed the last Olympics. That’s why it’s a do or die kind of game,” Ramalepe stressed.
Acknowledging the significance of the fixture arrangement, with the first leg taking place in Abuja, Ramalepe highlighted the advantage this presents for Banyana Banyana, as it allows them to retain home advantage for the return leg.
” I feel, personally, that playing the away leg first is an advantage for us because it means we will still have home advantage for the last match.
It’s a matter of first play away, give your all and make sure you do the best you can do, then wrap things up at home in the last game,” she added.
While acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Ramalepe exuded confidence in her team’s readiness and determination to emerge victorious.
She anticipated a tough battle but expressed belief that Banyana Banyana would ultimately prevail.
“It has to be a different ball game. All other games between us are in the past, and now it’s a new challenge for both of us.
It’s a crucial match, of which both teams know how important this one is. Now, we just have to stay focused and make sure we approach this coming game differently,” Ramalepe commented.
Emphasizing the importance of the match for South Africa’s older players, who may not have another opportunity to compete in the Olympics, Ramalepe underscored the team’s collective focus and determination to secure qualification.
“The senior players know if they don’t win, they’ll not be at the next Olympics as well.
So, we need to take everything we want from this coming game on Friday,” She emphasized.
Ramalepe reiterated the significance of the upcoming fixture, emphasizing the need for South Africa to approach the game with utmost seriousness and determination.
With qualification to the Olympics on the line, Banyana Banyana are poised to give their all in pursuit of victory and securing their place on the global stage.
