Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana says the work begins immediately for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing to the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Just four years ago, Banyana Banyana had gone without a single victory at their first-ever participation at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted in France.
Defeats to China (1-0), Spain (3-1) and Germany (4-0) ended their tournament as quickly as it started following their qualification from advancing beyond the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Over 1 450 days later, at the ninth edition of FIFA’s prestigious tournament, jointly held in New Zealand and Australia, Banyana exceeded expectations after being placed in yet another so-called „group of death“ along side Sweden, Argentina and Italy.
A defeat to the Swedes, a draw against the South Americans and a win against the Italians, however, shocked everyone in South Africa, and the rest of the world.
Banyana became the first South African senior national side, male or female, to advance to the round of 16 at a World Cup, setting up a clash against the might Netherlands on Sunday.
Their tournament ended with a brave display as the Dutch fought tirelessly to win 2-0 at a sold-out Allianz Arena in Sydney, but Banyana can leave with their heads held high.
„There’s a huge difference between 2019 [World Cup] and now,“ said Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana during her post-match interview.
