Refiloe Jane: First-leg win will ease Olympic qualifying pressure

The two sides will meet in a back-to-back first round encounter in Bloemfontein, with both matches being hosted in South Africa to accommodate Madagascar, who do not have a suitable host venue. The second leg is scheduled for 13 October.

Jane acknowledges that it will be tough, however, believes the team is ready to embrace the long journey ahead.

“It is important that in the first leg we perform well and get the important result. We are at a point where we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure. We know we have not qualified for the Olympics in a long time and understand that the journey to qualifying is a long one. The first leg will ease the pressure going into the second leg, but we take it one game at a time,” said Jane.

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South Africa will be aiming to return to the Olympic stage for the first time since the 2016 Games in Brazil.

Jane says qualifying for major international tournaments is important for the growth and development of the players, while also raising the profile of women’s football in the country.

“We know that when we play in big tournaments, it opens more doors for the players. There is room for recognition and the development of women’s football in our country. So we first focus on the LA Olympic Qualifiers and then move on to the World Cup Qualifiers,” added Jane.

With Madagascar having requested that the first leg be played behind closed doors, Jane has urged Banyana Banyana supporters to continue showing their support for the national team.

“My message to all our fans - please show your love for the national team. The team is focused and wants to deliver,” she expressed.