Sasol Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana says the team is eager to test itself against one of the world’s top sides when South Africa faces Japan in two international friendlies in Osaka on 6 and 9 June.
The matches form part of Banyana’s preparations for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next month.
“We always want to play against the best teams in the world to measure ourselves and to see where the progress is,” said Kgatlana.
She added that facing fifth-ranked Japan will help the team prepare “mentally, emotionally, physically as well as technically” ahead of the continental tournament.
Kgatlana also welcomed the opportunity to return to the national team after missing April’s friendlies against Algeria through injury.
“It’s always an honour to represent the national team. I’ve been working a lot on coming back,” she said.
The first match kicks off at 08:50 South African time on Saturday at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium in Osaka.
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