Banyana off to earthquake-hit Turkey for Women's Cup as hosts pull out

The South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed Banyana Banyana will take part in the Turkish Women's Cup, despite the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit last week.

Head coach Desiree Ellis, her backroom staff and 16 local-based players boarded a flight on Tuesday evening from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, to Turkey, Antalya. 

Seven overseas-based players will join the camp with the rest of the team on Wednesday.

"The South African senior women's team will open their Turkish Women's Cup account when they face Uzbekistan on Saturday," SAFA's statement read.

"SAFA consulted widely before allowing Banyana Banyana to travel to Turkey. World football governing body FIFA also gave the greenlight to the tournament in a letter sent to all the participants on 10 February 2023."

Turkey, along with neighbouring Syria, have found over 30000 people dead (and counting) with thousands injured, displaced or missing.

The annual tournament was set to kick-off on Monday but has been rescheduled for Wednesday with hosts Turkey the only nation pulling out of the tournament.

Banyana with Bulgaria, Estonia, Kosovo, Hong Kong, Jordan, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Uzbekistan and Zambia will all participate in the competition.