Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza has described today's African Women's Championship semifinal against Nigeria's Super Falcons in Equatorial Guinea as the biggest game of his career.
"We have never defeated Nigeria in the history of Banyana Banyana. There is always the first time in everything," said Mkhonza.
He is hoping for a double celebration this week after winning the South African coach of the year award on Sunday night.
"We promised South Africa that we'll come back with a gold medal. We are not intimidated by the fact that we are meeting Nigeria ."
Mkhonza is happy that Banyana have regained their appetite for goals after walloping the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-1 in Bata on Saturday night to qualify for the semifinals.
Five-time tournament winners Nigeria booked themselves a place after registering a 3-1 win over Ivory Coast on Sunday night to end their Group B campaign with an unbeaten record.
The West Africans are the reigning champions after winning the 2010 tournament in South Africa where they beat Equatorial Guinea, who will meet Cameroon in the other semifinal match in the capital Malabo today.
Banyana will have to keep a close eye on Nigerian star Perpetua Nkwocha, who plays for Swedish club Sunnana SK.
At the age of 36, Nkwocha, the three-time African Women's Player of the Year, has won four continental titles with the Super Falcons in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
Today's game will be a battle between Nkwocha and veteran Banyana striker Portia "Bashin" Modise, who, if selected today, will make history by being the most capped player with the team (102 games).
Modise is expected to partner Amanda Dlamini and Andisiwe Mgcoyi, who has scored four goals in this tournament so far.
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