The development follows an attack on the team's bus on Sunday. According to a statement from the association, an individual who appeared agitated threw an object believed to be a brick or stone at the team bus before walking away. The statement further states that the individual’s intentions remain unclear. The association, however, says following a thorough assessment by the security team, the person may have mistakenly identified the bus as a public transport vehicle. “It is important to highlight that while the team did not have a police escort to the training session at the time of the incident, they were escorted from the airport to their hotel, where they are safely accommodated. The host association has since assured us that a police escort will be in place for all future team movements leading up to the match,” the statement says.
Earlier yesterday, the BFA chief executive officer (CEO), Mfolo Mfolo, said that his organisation is aware of the war currently ongoing in the DRC and that they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the Mares are not harmed. “We are in constant communication with the head of delegation and the football association in the DR Congo. In summary, where we stand the team is safe,” he said. The Mares face a difficult task to turn around a 2-0 defeat in order to proceed to the second preliminary round where Banyana Banyana awaits them. A first half own goal by Turkish based defender, Lone Gaofetoge and a last minute goal by Gloria Mabomba ensured DRC take a comfortable lead ahead of their home tie.
