Banyana Banyana to take part in 12-Nation Cyprus Cup

19 February 2015 - Banyana Banyana will take part in the annual 12-nation Cyprus Women’s Cup which runs from 4-11 March 2015.

The Vera Pauw-coached side has been drawn in Group C together with Belgium, Czech Republic and Mexico. The Group will be based in Ayia Napa.

Group A is made up of Canada, Italy, Korea Republic and Scotland while Group B comprises Australia, England, Finland and Netherlands. The two groups will be based in Larnaca.

“This is an exciting tournament and gives us good preparations ahead of the All-Africa Games and Olympic qualifiers.

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“These are the type of opponents (tough opposition) we should have played ahead of the African Women championships which took place in Namibia last year where Banyana Banyana missed the World Cup spot by a whisker,” said Pauw.

Banyana Banyana will assemble for camp on Sunday, 22 February with a group of 30 players who will then be trimmed to 23 at the final squad announcement at SAFA House on Tuesday, 24 February.

“We have not been together since November and can’t wait to meet with the girls again. I have missed them, they are a fantastic lot.”

Pauw insisted that results are not what matters in such events but that the team will give a good account during the tournament.

“The Cyprus Women’s Cup is a fantastic opportunity which we really welcomed with both hands. It is good for the country, good for the players to toughen up and the tournament itself ranks up there among the best in the world,” she said.

Banyana Banyana leave for Cyprus on Wednesday, 25 February and return home on Friday, 13 March.

CYPRUS WOMEN’S CUP

2 – 12 March 2015

Tournament schedule

Group A – Larnaca
Canada
Italy
Republic of Korea
Scotland

Group B – Larnaca
Australia
England
Finland
Netherlands

Group C – Ayia Napa
Belgium
Czech Republic
Mexico
South Africa

Wednesday 4 March

14.30     Republic of Korea - Italy GSP Nicosia

17.30     Scotland – Canada GSP Nicosia

14.30     Finland – England GSZ Larnaca

17.30     Netherlands - Australia GSZ Larnaca

14.30     Mexico – South Africa Tasos Marko Paralimni

17.30     Czech Republic – Belgium Tasos Marko Paralimni

Friday 6 March

14.30     Canada – Republic of Korea GSZ, Larnaca

17.30     Italy – Scotland GSZ, Larnaca

14.30     Finland – Netherlands GSP Nicosia,

17.30     Australia - England GSP Nicosia

14.30     Belgium – South Africa Tasos Marko, Paralimni

17.30     Czech Republic – Mexico Tasos Marko, Paralimni

Monday 9 March

14.30     Italy – Canada GSP Nicosia

14.30     Scotland – Republic of Korea GSZ, Larnaca

17.30     Netherlands – England GSP Nicosia

17.30     Australia – Finland GSZ, Larnaca

14.30     South Africa – Czech Republic Tasos Marko, Paralimni

17.30     Mexico – Belgium Tasos Marko, Paralimni

By: Editor