SAFA set to bolster Banyana’s technical team ahead of World Cup

The SA Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed that they will appoint a technical adviser and a second assistant coach for Banyana Banyana ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

The eagerly-awaited tournament is set to start from July 20 until August 20 and it will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. 

SAFA held a press conference at the SAFA House on Friday to talk about the plans of 2023, and Banyana’s preparations for the Women’s World Cup and Bafana Bafana plans for the year and junior teams. 

SAFA TO BOLSTER BANYANA’S TECHNICAL TEAM

SAFA’s technical director Walter Steenbok confirmed that the association will bolster the Banyana’s technical team prior to the World Cup. 

“I am almost 100 days in office and this is one of the toughest jobs in football but I am loving it,” Steenbok told the media. 

“Banyana Banyana will get a technical adviser and a second assistant coach to join them ahead of the World Cup as this is a massive year for the women’s team.”

On the other hand, coach Desiree Ellis announced that they will be participating in Cyprus Cup later this month in preparations for the World Cup. 

“Big year for Banyana Banyana ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July this year. We will play in the Cyprus Cup later this month,” said the three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year. 

“And we have programs set up for players ahead of the first FIFA week in April. 

“We are also looking at having a friendly match in New Zealand.”

South Africa are pitted in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina.

SAFA FINANCES LOOKING HEALTHY… 

Meanwhile, addressing the issues on SAFA’s finances and the plans of newly appointed technical director [Steenbok], SAFA CFO Mr Gronie Hluyo said: “SAFA’s finances are healthy and we have received unqualified reports from auditors.”

“We have committees in place that oversee all our finances and ensure accountability within the association.

“We have received funding going into 2023 to ensure that we can back our National teams with their activities this year. 

“We are grateful to all our sponsors for their contributions and continuous support in ensuring that football in this country is still running.”

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