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Banyana need to show fighting spirit in France – Amanda

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Former Banyana Banyana midfielder and football analyst Amanda Dlamini shares some insights into the women’s national team’s chances at this year’s World Cup in France.

Despite a difficult tournament in Cyprus last week Banyana Banyana can still take some valuable lessons from the Cyprus Women’s Cup to the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, that kicks off on 7th June with the final on 7th July.

“Cyprus is also plagued with heavy winds and rain at this time and I expect the weather in France will be very different. The first lesson is that Banyana need to quickly acclimatise to the environmental conditions. In terms of strategy, we normally play on the counter. Oppositions in Europe will want to smother us from the back and this is why we need a plan B to breakthrough defences,” says Dlamini.

She believes getting out of their group will be tough for Banyana who go up against Spain, China and Germany but getting through to the second round of the tournament would make the trip a success for Banyana.

“Making it out of the first round will be the main priority. It won’t be easy, and that is one thing the team should be aware of. They will be facing opposition with different strategies and philosophies. They’ve shown their fighting spirit at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and in the two friendlies against Netherlands. If they can better define the roles of each player in the team they will be able to fight for each other.”

Dlamini is hoping to see players Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo help Banyana progress.

As for the final winners of the tournament, Dlamini’s money is on Team USA which will be led by 2018 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Alex Morgan.

Banyana Banyana kick off on 8th June when they play Spain at the in Stade Océane, Le Havre. Their second match is against China on 13th June at the Parc des Princes, Paris, and then finally they travel to Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier to take on Germany on the 19th June.

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