THE national women's team yesterday wrapped up their final preparations before jetting off to the Netherlands next month.
Banyana Banyana won 3-1 in their international friendly match against Namibia in Windhoek yesterday, a feat that pleased their coach August Makalakalane.
According to him, the long term plan is for Banyana to be competitive in the African Women's Championship next year exposure and to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Germany.
"We played on an artificial pitch in Namibia, and I'm glad the girls held their own, despite their not being used to this surface," he said.
"We also made them run hard the whole week, to see how they react to fatigue and stress"
Banyana's first goal was scored, not surprisingly, by striker Noko Matlou in the 19th minute.
But a minute later the Namibians retaliated through and were awarded a penalty, which Stephanie Cloete equalised through.
In the second half, Makalakalane brought on Busi Ndimeni for Mamphasha Popela and Mpho Rammala for debutante Karabo Mogoro.
Ndimeni then scored Banyana's 74th minute goal, and three minutes later captain Kylie-Anne Louw completed the scoring for Banyana.
Makalakalane declared himself happy with his team, and said he knew what needed to be done in the Netherlands, where Banyana will be pitted against China, Switzerland and the hosts.
"Our defense is still vulnerable and we give away possession far too easily sometimes.
"For instance, they were told not to concede a goal yesterday (Saturday), and they did. A lot of work still need to be done. But on a positive note, we are creating chances - and scoring them," he said.
Coach happy with Banyana win
THE national women's team yesterday wrapped up their final preparations before jetting off to the Netherlands next month.
Banyana Banyana won 3-1 in their international friendly match against Namibia in Windhoek yesterday, a feat that pleased their coach August Makalakalane.
According to him, the long term plan is for Banyana to be competitive in the African Women's Championship next year exposure and to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Germany.
"We played on an artificial pitch in Namibia, and I'm glad the girls held their own, despite their not being used to this surface," he said.
"We also made them run hard the whole week, to see how they react to fatigue and stress"
Banyana's first goal was scored, not surprisingly, by striker Noko Matlou in the 19th minute.
But a minute later the Namibians retaliated through and were awarded a penalty, which Stephanie Cloete equalised through.
In the second half, Makalakalane brought on Busi Ndimeni for Mamphasha Popela and Mpho Rammala for debutante Karabo Mogoro.
Ndimeni then scored Banyana's 74th minute goal, and three minutes later captain Kylie-Anne Louw completed the scoring for Banyana.
Makalakalane declared himself happy with his team, and said he knew what needed to be done in the Netherlands, where Banyana will be pitted against China, Switzerland and the hosts.
"Our defense is still vulnerable and we give away possession far too easily sometimes.
"For instance, they were told not to concede a goal yesterday (Saturday), and they did. A lot of work still need to be done. But on a positive note, we are creating chances - and scoring them," he said.