South Africa's joy at Women's World Cup win brings hope of change
South Africa’s stunning 3-2 win over Italy at the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday sparked celebrations at home and won presidential praise on the eve of the country's opening gambit in a bid to host the 2027 edition of the tournament.
The victory, a first for the side at a World Cup finals, sealed their passage into the round of 16 where they will face Netherlands on Sunday, and could also have longer-term implications for the development of the game in the country.
The squad have put behind them a pre-tournament row with the South African Football Association (Safa) over bonuses and displayed a marked improvement from the team that lost all three games on their World Cup debut in France four years ago.
"Congratulations to Banyana Banyana on your victory against Italy and securing our spot in the final 16. You have lifted our spirits and made us immensely proud. Bring the cup home!" South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa said on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
???? Congratulations to @Banyana_Banyana on your victory against Italy and securing our spot in the final 16. You have lifted our spirits and made us immensely proud. Bring the cup home!#BeyondGreatness#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/1aF0WbgUaN— Cyril Ramaphosa ???? (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 2, 2023
"This is a historic moment for South African football. This is a historic moment for women’s sport in the country," added minister of sport Zizi Kodwa.
.@Banyana_Banyana’s progress in the @FIFAWWC is historic for the country and women’s sport. Banyana Banyana are a rose that grew from concrete. This team has come very far and will go even further. South Africa, let’s unite behind Banyana Banyana #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/G9Kyx7jEVh— Minister of Sport,
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