Former Bafana Bafana defender Benson Mhlongo is now backing Banyana Banyana as a contender to lift the 2023 Women's World Cup after reaching the knockout stages of the tournament.
Banyana made history with a dramatic 3-2 win over Italy to advance to the Round of 16 at the Wellington Rengional Stadium on Wednesday.
"First of all, well done to Banyana, well done for reaching the last 16, and beating a team like Italy," Mhlongo tells KickOff.
READ | Banyana clinch historic World Cup last 16 spot
"My only concern is that we cannot deal with set plays. But when it comes to overall performance, they have grown.
"They have grown from the AFCON performances where they depended on long balls all the time.
"It's good to see that now they can vary their game. They only hit long balls when it's necessary.
"There is combination play and their performance can't be doubted. I just wish we can start supporting them more.
"I think being African champions gave them confidence and self-belief.
"You can see the precise technique in the players that are playing overseas, the way they move around the pitch.
"Also, Mamelodi Sundowns players, you can easily tell they are CAF champions. They deserved the win.
"It's going to be my first time saying that I believe in Banyana, and they will go all the way.
"The game against Italy showed that they can deal with pressure. There was a lot of pressure on them after the 2-2 draw. Many negative things were said about Banyana.
"The same goalkeeper who conceded four goals in the two other games started against Italy, but the players showed they can protect each other.
"They played for each other, they didn't blame anyone for their mistakes, and as a team they kept on going.
"If you can have a team that can protect one of their own like the Banyana players did, what else do you need?"
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