It’s exactly six days before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) kicks off in Morocco, and it will be all systems go for coach Desiree Ellis’ Banyana Banyana as they are on a serious mission to defend their crown.
Host nation Morocco will set the tone of the women’s African showpiece when they collide with Zambia in Rabat on Saturday, before the reigning champs Banyana open their Group C account against Ghana two days later in Oujda.
The other two teams South Africa has been pitted against are Mali and neighbours Tanzania.
Banyana touched down in Morocco last Wednesday and are already hard at work, as they iron out the final details of their preparations.
Despite Ellis and her side looking sharp and confident that they have what it takes to go all the way in the competition to defend their title, it will not be easy.
Ellis’ squad consists of a good mix of new and experienced players such as Refiloe Jane, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Andile Dlamini, Hildah Magaia and Linda Mothlalo, amongst others.
However, Ellis suffered a massive blow as she will be without marquee player Thembi Kgatlana, who opted to pull out of the squad due to personal reasons.
“It’s not easy not having Thembi here because she is a major force within the squad, but I think with what she’s left behind, we’re going to do everything in our power to make her proud,” said experienced Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
One of Banyana’s experienced players who will be key for Ellis is 35-year-old Bambanani Mbane, who says that they will be banking on their unbeaten streak this year in their quest to defend the Wafcon.
“I expect the team to win this upcoming Wafcon. We’ve shown that we can make things
happen, so we are ready to deliver again,” Mbane said.
“Going into Wafcon knowing that we’re unbeaten this year will help us a lot with confidence. Our morale will be high in this tournament.”
Some of the new faces in the Banyana team are Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Kgalebane Mohlakoana, Regina Mogolola, Bonolo Mokoma, Adrielle Mibe, and lanky striker Ronnel Donnely.
