Banyana Banyana coach Maude Khumalo is almost certain their Cosafa Women’s Championship fixture against Eswatini on Friday will not be a repeat of the neighbouring country's earlier drubbing of Seychelles.
The game takes place at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha (3pm).
The opening fixture in group A saw Eswatini record their biggest victory at the tournament, beating debutantes Seychelles 6-0 in the opening match before hosts South Africa edged Namibia 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, both on Tuesday.
With head coach Desiree Ellis' senior side involved in high-profile friendlies, a South African developmental squad in the Cosafa Cup could not convert several chances against Namibia, especially in the opening half.
In the dying minute of the game Tshogofatso Motlogelwa scored the only goal in Banyana’s opening match of the tournament.
Eswatini have proven scoring goals is not an issue and they will be looking to extend their goal tally in the tournament against South Africa.
However Khumalo is confident her charges will be able to handle the high-flying Super Falcons.
She said there was no pressure on players going into this must-win encounter.
Eswatini are on top of group A with three points, with Banyana Banyana second on goal difference.
“What we saw in the match against Seychelles, Eswatini is not going to be the same when we play against them,” Khumalo said.
“We are taking each game as it comes and we do not want to put pressure on ourselves, because some of these players are new to this set-up.
“Against Namibia they were nervous. They were shaking before the game and I told them we were there for them.
“The thing you have to do is stick to the game plan and what you know best.
“When you are in a tournament you start with the first game and you go to the next one, but you must also make sure the players are comfortable.
“Also, you make sure that whatever [mistakes] they made in the first game we rectify and gradually they improve.”
Entrance to all matches is free, with tickets available at the stadium on match day.
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