19 January 2019– Two first half goals by the Netherlands were enough for see them beat Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana 2-1 in the inaugural Winnie Mandela International Challenge played on Saturday, 19 January 2019 at the Cape Town Stadium.

Thembi Kgatlana managed to get a consolation goal for the host nation – continuing where she left off in the 2018 Women’s AFCON, where she scored five goals and finished top goal scorer.

This was the first match of the year for both sides, and were using it to kick start preparations for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in June in France.

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis started with the bulk of the team that played the final of the 2018 Women’s AFCON against Nigeria in Ghana – making only one change, with vice captain Refiloe Jane taking the place of Busisiwe Ndimeni, who was not in the match day squad.

Jane missed the final due to club commitments.

The home side was stunned as early as the second minute when Sherida Spitse was given space to shoot, and she made no mistake as she gave the visitors the lead.

While Banyana Banyana was trying to get back into the game, the Netherlands increased their lead in the 19^thminute through Vivienne Miedema with a low shot that beat Kaylin Swart in goals.

The South Africans however found their rhythm and were able to match the visitors with play – and were duly rewarded when Kgatlana beat the offside trap in the 33^rdminute, rounded off goalkeeper and captain Sari van Veenendaal and reduced the deficit.

This was Kgatlana’s 16^thgoal in a Banyana Banyana jersey.

After the break the hosts found some ascendency as they created chances after chances but could not find the back of the net.

Captain Janine van Wyk limped off the field early in the second stanza and was replaced by Noko Matlou in a forced change. Matlou is now two caps shy of 150.

Ellis also made some other changes – handing a new cap to U17 Women’s National Team player Karabo Dhlamini, who replaced Mamello Makhabane in the 62^ndminute.

Ten minutes later Australia-based Rhoda Mulaudzi made her return in the Banyana Banyana jersey as she took the place of Kgatlana. Mulaudzi last played for her country in October 2017.

Koketso Tlailane and Nompumelelo Nyandeni also checked in, to replace Linda Motlhalo and Leandra Smeda respectively.

No matter how much the South Africans pushed forward to grab an equaliser, the Netherlands stood firm.

It ended 2-1 to the visitors – who made it three victories in as many matches against Banyana Banyana. The other two defeats came in 2016 – 1-0 and 2-0.

Despite the defeat, it was a much-improved performance from South Africa, and certainly a good start to World Cup preparations.

Banyana Banyana next face Sweden on Tuesday, 22 January 2019 at 19h00, also at the Cape Town Stadium in the Albertina Sisulu Centenary Challenge.

Kickoff is at 19h00.

 

This is how they lined up:

 

Kaylin Swart (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Janine van Wyk (c) (Noko Matlou), Bambanani Mbane, Mamello Makhabane (Karabo Dhlamini), Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo (Koketso Tlailane), Leandra Smeda (Nompumelelo Nyandeni), Thembi Kgatlana (Rhoda Mulaudzi), Jermaine Seoposenwe

Subs:

Andile Dlamini (GK) Victoria Muroa (GK), Noko Matlou, Koketso Tlailane, Karabo Dhlamini, Amanda Mthandi, Tiisetso Makhubela, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Kholosa Biyana, Molatelo Sebata, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Hilda Magaia

Not in Match Day squad:

Jessica Williams (GK), Kelso Peskin, Busisiwe Ndimeni

Coach: Desiree Ellis

 

 

Netherlands

Sari van Veenendaal (GK) (c), Inessa Kaagman, Kika van Es, Sherida Spitse, Viviene Miedema, Lieke Martens, Jill Roord, Merel van Dongen, Danique Kerkdijk, Dominique Bloodworth, Lineth Beerensteyn

Subs:

Desiree van Lunteren, Aniek Nouwen, Anouk Dekker, Shanice van der Goodbergh, Jackie Groenen, Loes Geurts (GK), Ellen Jansen, Sisca Folkertsma, Lize Kop (GK), Victoria Pelova, Jennifer Vreugdenhill (GK), Renate Jansen, Siri Worm

Coach: Sarina Wiegman