The Vodacom Bulls joined the rest of South Africa in welcoming back and congratulating Banyana Banyana, who returned home on Tuesday after being crowned the queens of Africa.
The SA national football women’s side became the pride of the country when they clinched the continental crown with a 2-1 victory in the final of the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Saturday night.
Banyana Banyana remained the only side to finish the tournament unbeaten after having defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their opening match before claiming wins over Burundi (3-1), Botswana (1-0), Tunisia (1-0), a semifinal victory over Zambia (1-0) and ultimately the title-deciding triumph over the hosts in the final.
Blue Bulls Company (BBCo) Special Projects Manager, Thando Manana, said: “Together with the rest of the country and continent, we are extremely proud of the historic feat achieved by the Banyana Banyana team under coach, Desiree Ellis.
“These talented women have cemented their place as the pride of the nation and a great inspiration to many in South Africa and elsewhere. To achieve this milestone after five previous attempts speaks to the determination and hard work South Africans are known for.
“We, particularly the Blue Bulls Daisies, find huge inspiration from this achievement, and will want to emulate this in next year’s SA Rugby Women’s Interprovincial League.”
BBCo CEO, Edgar Rathbone said: “It is with pride that the Vodacom Bulls, Blue Bulls Company and Blue Bulls Rugby Union share in the delight and pride that Banyana Banyana has brought to the country. It is at times like these that we realise how much joy sports can bring to a nation.
“We would like to convey our congratulatory wishes to the SA Football Association (SAFA) under Danny Jordaan, the coaching team under Desiree Ellis and, most importantly, the players who have raised the SA flag so high.
“We further congratulate Andile Dlamini, who was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Desiree, who won the Coach of the Year (Women) award at the 2022 CAF Awards last week. What an inspiration!”
Photo credit: SAFA.net
