BANYANA Banyana will do well at the 2012 London Olympics if they make solid preparations, including playing against US and top European countries.
This is according to the team's all-time top goal scorer, Noko "Beep Beep" Matlou, after the current Banyana Banyana became the first to qualify for the Olympics. They achieved the feat after eliminating Ethiopia, beating them 4-1 on aggregate with Matlou scoring three goals and the other coming from Mpumi Nyandeni.
"We are delighted to have delivered on our promise of becoming the first team to qualify for the Olympics," Matlou said. "There is no time to celebrate our achievement, we have to start with preparations so that we won't be a laughing stock in London. We need to organise a series of friendlies against countries like Germany, US, Brazil and Japan as part of the preparations for the Olympics.
"First impressions last. We want to show the world that women's soccer in South Africa is growing in leaps and bounds.
"Going to the Olympics is a platform that will also help us as players to secure contracts with the big clubs in Europe and America."
Matlou, who has scored 51 goals in 62 matches, also thanked South Africans for their support: "It is highly appreciated."
Safa women's committee chairperson Nomsa Mahlangu, who helped lay a solid foundation for the London Olympics qualifiers, said: 'This is a major victory for women's soccer, a project we started with our former coach August Makalakalane and current one Joseph Mkhonza. It was a team effort."
Hard work ahead for Banyana - Matlou
BANYANA Banyana will do well at the 2012 London Olympics if they make solid preparations, including playing against US and top European countries.
This is according to the team's all-time top goal scorer, Noko "Beep Beep" Matlou, after the current Banyana Banyana became the first to qualify for the Olympics. They achieved the feat after eliminating Ethiopia, beating them 4-1 on aggregate with Matlou scoring three goals and the other coming from Mpumi Nyandeni.
"We are delighted to have delivered on our promise of becoming the first team to qualify for the Olympics," Matlou said. "There is no time to celebrate our achievement, we have to start with preparations so that we won't be a laughing stock in London. We need to organise a series of friendlies against countries like Germany, US, Brazil and Japan as part of the preparations for the Olympics.
"First impressions last. We want to show the world that women's soccer in South Africa is growing in leaps and bounds.
"Going to the Olympics is a platform that will also help us as players to secure contracts with the big clubs in Europe and America."
Matlou, who has scored 51 goals in 62 matches, also thanked South Africans for their support: "It is highly appreciated."
Safa women's committee chairperson Nomsa Mahlangu, who helped lay a solid foundation for the London Olympics qualifiers, said: 'This is a major victory for women's soccer, a project we started with our former coach August Makalakalane and current one Joseph Mkhonza. It was a team effort."
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