Banyana ‘excited’ to be in Turkey amid earthquake aftermath

Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini says they are ‘extremely excited’ to be in Turkey, who are still dealing with the aftermath of the traumatic earthquake that hit the country and Syria. 

The trip hung in the balance a few days ago, as SAFA pondered on the safety of the team in earthquake-ravaged Turkey.

Thousands of lives were lost in the earthquake, with many other people injured and some missing until this day.

However, SAFA eventually sent Banyana following several consultations with the South African government, Turkish Ambassador and the tournament organisers.

The African Champions landed in Turkey on Wednesday, 15 February, joining eight other nations participating in the tournament, which kicked off on Tuesday.

Banyana, who will open their Turkish Women’s Cup campaign on Saturday against Uzbekistan in Antalya, were initially scheduled to play three matches at the tournament.

However, Desiree Ellis’ troops will participate in one game as their opponent, the host nation Turkey and Venezuela, pulled out of the tournament.

According to reports, the Turkey national women’s team are mourning, while Venezuelan Football Federation withdrew from the Turkish Cup as Turkey is not in a good state.

ANDILE DLAMINI DESCRIBES THE MOOD IN TURKEY

Banyana goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, said she was looking forward to the tournament.

“We arrived safe in Turkey in a city called Antalya, and we are extremely excited as players. We are looking forward to the games ahead,” he said.

“These games are going to prepare us for the World Cup. And we are just looking forward to doing our best and representing our country well.

So, we are happy to be here. It is a beautiful city, and hoping that we will make the country proud,” said Dlamini.

Meanwhile, SAFA’s technical director, Walter Steenbok, travelled with the team to Turkey. He sent a heartfelt message to those affected by the earthquake in Turkey.

STEENBOK’S MESSAGE FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY

“Greeting to all South Africans. We have arrived safely with the Banyana team in Antalya,” said Steenbok.

“We also want to take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to all who have been injured in facilities in Turkey and also pass our condolences to the Turkish government.”

Steenbok also addressed the safety of the players and the preparations the team underwent since their arrival in Turkey.

“The team arrived safely today [Wednesday]… The mood is fine in the camp, and the team has already had an activation session to loosen up and prepare for the tournament,” he added.

“We would like to assure all South Africans that the team arrived safely and everything is okay in Turkey.”

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