20 September 2024 – African champions Banyana Banyana will face Jamaica in two away friendly internationals to be played on 29 November 2024 and 2 December 2024 in the tropical maritime island.
This will be the first time both teams are facing each other since April 2019 in Durban where they played to a 1-1 draw, and Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said she was looking forward to facing the Jamaicans.
“I’d just like to say thank you to SAFA and Sasol for once again getting us a top-notch international match, coming so soon after the England game. You know, they’re top players playing in top leagues around the world, and their probably best-known player is Khadija Shaw,” Dr Ellis said.
“They did really well at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year as well. And if people remember, we played them in 2019, just before going to the 2019 World Cup. And we always said that we would like to play them in a return match, but the opportunity never materialised. So we’re really looking forward to it. It’s giving us another opportunity to test players once again, as we get ready to prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and start finalising our squad, and an opportunity to test some more players.”
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said these matches are part of the Association’s plans to ensure that Banyana Banyana prepare well for the WAFCON next year.
“It is absolutely crucial that Banyana Banyana continue to play these important matches in the buildup to next year’s WAFCON. I am happy that we have confirmed Jamaica along with the other matches that will be played in the coming months,” Dr Jordaan said.
President of the Jamaica Football Federation Michael Ricketts welcomed the games for the Reggae Girlz.
“We want to give our Reggae Girlz the best opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and we feel these upcoming friendly internationals to end 2024 are beneficial to the coaching staff to help them prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers.”
Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship said: “We’re excited to see Banyana Banyana take on Jamaica again, especially after their thrilling 1-1 draw back in 2019. This friendly presents a valuable opportunity for the team to prepare for WAFCON 2025 and at Sasol, we’re proud to continue supporting them on their journey to greatness.”
Details of the kick off times and the match venues of the two matches will be communicated in the coming days.
