Brand South Africa hosts Banyana Banyana send-off breakfast

The South African senior women’s national soccer team Banyana Banyana was hosted by Brand South Africa ahead of the team’s departure to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

The players got to relax and enjoy each other’s company with their supporters, Brand SA staff, Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan, Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao, Banyana Banyana headline sponsors Sasol, and other stakeholders at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton on June 21.

Addressing the attendees, Brand SA CEO Sithembile Ntombela called on South Africans from all walks of life to show support for Banyana Banyana. Desiree Ellis’ charges will be making their second appearance at the global showpiece from 20 July to 20 August and are growing in stature as a global force.

“My job is easy today. It is to open this event and celebrate the team of the moment, and that is Banyana Banyana. As they get ready for the World Cup, we just want them to know that they are not alone in going to the World Cup,” said Ntombela.

In his speech, Jordaan said, “You cannot talk about football brands in South Africa without recognising the centrality of Banyana Banyana. They used to say Bafana Bafana first and then Banyana Banyana but now I think we say Banyana first and then Bafana.”

He added this showed the enormous development that the team had experienced over time.

Speaking after the breakfast send-off event, Ellis said selecting the 23-woman squad had not been easy.

“It’s the most difficult selection I have had to make, just selecting 36 [of the initial squad] from thousands out there has been difficult. There are many good players out there.”

Related Article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/331873/new-winter-menu-launched/