South Africa and Zimbabwe lock horns at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa. Kick-off is at 15h00.
Dlamini views the game as more of a celebration than a football match, even though meetings between the two nations always result in fierce battles.
The team captain says the match means a lot to the Southern Hemisphere.
“It’s very exciting because we need to appreciate and celebrate that both South Africa and Zimbabwe – Southern Hemisphere countries – have qualified for the Olympic Games. It’s good for the development of the region, it shows we are going in the right direction,” says Dlamini.
“It is very important that the public is aware that both Southern Hemisphere countries will be representing the whole continent in Rio, so we need as much as support as we can to make this match a memorable one – especially for both teams. I urge everyone to come in numbers to support not only Banyana Banyana but also Zimbabwe who will be going to their first ever Olympic Games.”
Dlamini expects a very tough encounter against their neighbours as history has proven that meetings between the two nations are never easy affairs.
“Every time we play Zimbabwe we know it is tough because they love running at us, they enjoy playing Banyana Banyana because they always want to prove that they are just as good. So this time around we are both preparing and it will be good to see how far we have both come with preparations ahead of the Olympic Games. It’s a grudge game because no-one between the two ever wants to lose. I think that’s what makes it a great spectacle in prospect for the fans,” adds Dlamini.
After the Zimbabwe clash the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will prepare for two international friendly matches against Netherlands.
The first clash against the Orange Lionesses is penciled in for Saturday, 4 May at Mandemakers Stadium, RKC Waalwijk in Waalwijk, Netherlands. It will be played behind closed doors with a 15h00 kick-off.
The second will take place at the same venue but in front of spectators on Tuesday, 7 June. Kick-off is at 19h00.
Netherlands is currently ranked 13th in the world, while South Africa is 54th.