Praise heaped on history makers Banyana Banyana

It was a nail-biting finish for the team which won their first match in the tournament defeating the Italy 3-2 with a stunning injury-time goal.

 

It's the first time our national women's football team's made it through to a World Cup knockout round.

 

Cameras captured jubilant scenes in the changing room

nd messages of support have been pouring in from all quarters online. President Cyril Ramaphosa says they've made the country's immensely proud.

 

American actor Anthony Anderson, who was attending the Proteas Netball World Cup game against New Zealand in Cape Town, couldn't hold back his excitement.

 

 "It's your boy Anthony Anderson from Blackish, wishing the Banyana Banyanas congratulations for making it to the last 16. And to the Proteas, yeah let's go!"

 

Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa says Banyana's proved they belong on the international football stage.

 READ: South Africa stun Italy to reach Women's World Cup last 16

Spokesperson Litha Mpondwana has urged the country to get behind them. 

 

"The match against Italy was a massive game, but Banyana Banyana showed the just what makes them the pride and joy of South Africa by going toe to toe with the world's top teams and creating history once again."

 

Banyana takes on Netherlands on Sunday morning.