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Banyana touch down in Japan ahead of two friendly matches – South African Football Association

02 June 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have settled into their hotel in Osaka, Japan, following travel from South Africa of just over 20 hours. The South Africans are in this country to face the host nation in two friendly matches, with the first set for Saturday, 6 June at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium at 15h50

The post Banyana touch down in Japan ahead of two friendly matches appeared first on South African Football Association.

02 June 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have settled into their hotel in Osaka, Japan, following travel from South Africa of just over 20 hours.

The South Africans are in this country to face the host nation in two friendly matches, with the first set for Saturday, 6 June at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium at 15h50 local time in Japan (08h50am SA Time). J-Green Sakai, also in Osaka, will host the second encounter on Tuesday, 9 June at 15h30 local time (08h30am SA Time).

The matches are part of Banyana Banyana’s preparations for next month’s CAF Women Africa Cup of Nations (WACON 2026), which will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August. The tournament has significance importance as it serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup set for Brazil.

Just last month, Banyana Banyana faced Algeria in Durban in back-to-back friendly games, with coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges winning both. The South Africans have a full complement of the 23 players that were selected by Dr Ellis a few days ago. They were joined by Scotland-based midfielder Linda Motlhalo and defender Bongeka Gamede, who plies her trade in Denmark, in Dubai while en route to Osaka.

The 2022 African champions are expected to have their first training session on Wednesday afternoon. Banyana Banyana will face a team that is currently fifth on the FIFA Women’s world rankings, while South Africa occupies the 58th position.

Also known as Nadeshiko Japan, the hosts became the first Asian team to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup when they lifted the trophy in 2011.

South African Football: The U-20 and U-23 teams serve as feeders to the senior team.

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