Midfield anchor Yola Jafta wears the captain’s armband when Banyana Banyana take on Mozambique in an international friendly fixture at the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, on Saturday.
Kick-off is 3pm and the 20-year-old University of Johannesburg Sports Management student will earn her 15th cap for Banyana Banyana when she leads the national senior women’s team out, with Free State defender-cum-midfielder Gabisile ‘China’ Hlumbane acting as her vice-captain.
The new leadership is a temporary solution as regular captain Amanda Dlamini and vice- captain Noko Matlou are currently representing South Africa at the World Student Games in China.
ÔÇ£It is a great honour for me to be asked to lead Banyana Banyana,ÔÇØ said Jafta, who is nicknamed ‘Batista’ and who plays for Sasol League (Gauteng) club, University of Johannesburg FC.
ÔÇ£It has been an amazing year for Banyana Banyana and the match against Mozambique is a key platform as far as the team’s preparations go for the all-important Olympic Qualifier against Ethiopia the following week at Orlando Stadium.
ÔÇ£With some of the regular players not available for Saturday’s match, it gives a host of newcomers the chance to stake a claim for possible selection to future Banyana Banyana squads,ÔÇØ added Jafta.
Hlumbane has proved her weight in gold for Banyana Banyana. She has played with confidence as a left-back and right-back, as well as a midfield anchor during her 21 international appearances.
Banyana Banyana is currently in camp at the North West University in Potchefstroom. This is in preparation for a hectic schedule of matches in August and September.