South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has highlighted unity as the team’s driving force ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Banyana Banyana are getting ready for their second appearance at the Women’s World Cup after their debut in 2019, and they head to Australia and New Zealand as African champions after winning their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.
Desiree Ellis’ ladies concluded their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Saturday, with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica and Dlamini is excited by the friendly bond in the South African camp.
“Everyone was united. You know, we had this different feel in camp,” the 2021 CAF Women’s Champions League winner told FIFA. “(That’s) the feel that we need to keep with going to the World Cup because if you have that unity and bond and nothing comes between you guys, nothing will distract you.
“So we had that. That’s why we won the African Cup of Nations.”
South Africa find themselves against Sweden, Italy and Argentina in Group G but Dlamini believes they are in Australia for a reason as they look to better their debut outing in 2019 when they lost all three group matches.
“I think they’re tough opponents, but we are also there for a reason. This is our second time and anything is possible when it’s 11 v 11 on that field of play,” she concluded.
