North Africa: The Premier of the Free State province, Sefora Ntombela, wishes the senior national women’s football team well for today’s Africa Women Cup of Nations match against Morocco.
The team, fondly known as Banyana Banyana, booked a place in the final after defeating Zambia midweek. They have also booked a place in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand.
Premier Ntombela says the achievement by the ladies is a clear demonstration of what women are capable of. As we celebrate this momentous moment, we are reminded of Madiba’s wise words on how sports are able to unite people.
“I believe I speak on behalf of every patriotic citizen of the Free State province when I say that all of us are immensely proud of our ladies. They have done extremely well to reach both the final today and next year’s World Cup. This is a great achievement considering the little support women’s football receives in the country. I am also pleased by the fact that the Free State province is represented by Nthabiseng Majoua from the Xhariep district in the team. This accomplishment also coincides with the nationwide commemoration of the father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, whose birthday we celebrated on Monday, 18 July 2022.
An avid sports fan himself, Madiba recognized the importance of sports in nation-building when he said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
We, therefore, call on all South Africans to rally behind our ladies for the final match today as they seek to bring the coveted trophy back home. We have absolutely no doubt that they will make the country proud. We wish them well. Go Banyana,” said Premier Ntombela.
