Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe will join supporters in Bloemfontein on Tuesday as Banyana Banyana take on Madagascar in the second leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifying tie.
The match will be played at Toyota Free State Stadium at 6pm, with South Africa carrying a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg.
Banyana secured the emphatic victory on Friday, 9 October, with Ronnel Donnelly scoring a hat-trick and a Madagascar own goal completing the rout.
Mabe praised the players and technical team for their performance but cautioned against losing focus ahead of the decisive encounter.
“Banyana Banyana delivered an impressive performance in the first leg. Ronnel Donnelly’s three goals were an outstanding contribution, supported by the collective effort of the team. We commend the players and technical team for this result and wish them well as they prepare to complete the tie on Tuesday,” she said.
Mabe said she would join supporters to demonstrate the country’s backing for the national women’s football team as they pursue Olympic qualification.
She called on football fans in Bloemfontein and surrounding communities to attend the match in their national colours and create a strong atmosphere of support.
“Our players carry the pride of South Africa every time they step onto the pitch. On Tuesday, we have an opportunity to show them that the nation is behind them. I look forward to joining supporters in Bloemfontein to cheer on Banyana Banyana as they work towards the next round of qualification,” she said.
The deputy minister also highlighted the team’s influence on young women and girls aspiring to pursue careers in football.
She said their success needed to be matched by opportunities for girls to play in schools and communities, access coaching and develop their abilities through competitive participation.
“Behind every national team player is a journey that begins with an opportunity to play. As we celebrate Banyana Banyana, we must also encourage the next generation of girls to take up football and support their development,” Mabe said.
She reaffirmed her support for the players, coaches and support staff ahead of Tuesday’s match.