Women’s World Cup: Banyana Stars Aware of Challenge That Opponents Sweden Pose

• South Africa will face Sweden in their opening game of the FIFA Women's World Cup
• Janine van Wyk may not be a part of the World Cup squad but is backing her teammates
• Hildah Magaia played her football in Sweden and has a lot of experience about the Swedes

Banyana Banyana are gearing up for their opening World Cup fixture against Sweden, confident that they know the challenge their higher-ranked opponents face.

South Africa are drawn together with the Swedes, Italy and Argentina in Group G and are the lowest-ranked side in the group.

Banyana are also looking to pick up their first win in the tournament, having lost all three games in their tournament debut in 2019.

Despite the challenge that awaits them, Banyana are confident going into the game and have some insights into their first opponent thanks to two experienced stars.

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Defender Janine van Wyk and striker Hildah Magaia have weighed in on the Swedes, highlighting what the number-three-ranked side brings to the tournament.

Van Wyk wary of Sweden

As noted by Goal, van Wyk recently discussed the challenge the Swedes pose, admitting that it will be tough. Despite missing out on a place in the squad at the tournament, van Wyk is still offering her insights into how Banyana could fare.

https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/banyana-banyana-defender-van-wyk-sounds-the-alarm-over-very-tough-sweden-in-fifa-women-s-world-cup-opener/blt370a0e3c65ff62fe

“Sweden, our very first opening match, will be a very tough challenge, ranked third in the world.”

“They have experience of back-to-back world cup matches and tournaments and key players that play UEFA Women's Champions League,” she said.

Van Wyk added that they were learning many lessons and how to be more competitive than last year.

Magaia brings Swedish experience

While van Wyk is confident that Banyana are growing as a team, Magaia is confident that she has some experience of how Sweden plays. The striker signed her first professional contract with Morön BK, a Swedish top-flight outfit, in 2020 and left a year ago.

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While based in the country, Magaia learned how Swedish football is played and how the national team operates, IOL reported.

“I believe that I still have some insights about the Swedes, and I believe that if we can use that as a team, we’ll be able to get the result that we want,” Magaia said.

“Even though things have changed after I left Sweden, I still carry some insights, and I remember how they play and all that,” Magaia added.

The reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions will face the Swedes at 7 am CAT at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

Adorable support for Banyana

Banyana Banyana have been given a huge boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener.

The South African held an open training session ahead of their opening game against Sweden, and the ladies received the cutest support, Sports Brief reported.

The South African side shared photos and videos of the turnout as many youngsters, in particular, came out to watch them play.