Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum is optimistic about his team’s chances of breaking their Olympic qualification drought as they prepare to face South Africa in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament African final qualifying playoff.
However, Waldrum also acknowledges the formidable attacking talents possessed by the Banyana Banyana.
The Falcons have endured a three-tournament absence from the Olympics, missing out on London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 after their last appearance in Beijing 2008.
Related News: “Bay FC Falls Short Despite Oshoala’s Heroics in NWSL Encounter”
Waldrum emphasizes that his team’s primary focus is on securing qualification for Paris, France, later this year.
The first leg of the playoff will see the nine-time African champions, Falcons, hosting reigning African champions South Africa at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday, with the return fixture scheduled for Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Arena next Tuesday.
Both teams enter the playoff with impressive winning streaks of five games each.
“We’re focused on getting to Paris,” Waldrum affirmed. “They understand the challenge that’s in front of them. It is time (to qualify for the Olympics after a long time).
This team is generational, no disrespect to the other teams, the talent and the depth that is coming into the team, which we saw in Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, against some of the best teams in the world.
“We can continue to move on and be a major player on the world stage. This team is special and we can be one of the best teams in the world.”
While acknowledging the threat posed by Banyana Banyana, Waldrum maintains confidence in his players despite the challenging playoff ahead.
“South Africa have a very good side, they are defending African champions and we have to respect them,” Waldrum remarked. “They have a lot of individual talents in attack, where they are dangerous and the coach has them very organised but I have a lot of confidence in my players.”
The Falcons have encountered difficulties against Banyana Banyana in their recent encounters, failing to secure a victory in their last three meetings, with two losses and one draw against the South Africans.
You can also read: Super Eagles Coaching Speculation: Finidi George Unfazed Amidst NFF Search