Despite persistent coaching issues within the team, the troubled Banyana Banyana’s hopes of making it to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup are back on track.
This development follows their 2-1 aggregate victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the second leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers on Tuesday at Dobsonville Stadium.
Banyana, under caretaker and assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli, managed a 1-1 draw away from home without their regular coach Desiree Ellis.
However, they were able to guarantee their qualification with a 1-0 victory, ending the two-leg match 2-1 on aggregate in their favor. The crucial goal was scored by Thembi Kgatlana.
Last week, Fran Hilton-Smith, the former technical director of the South African Football Association (Safa), told Sunday World that she was worried about the association’s failure to adequately plan and prepare its national teams, especially Banyana and the junior men’s teams, for important international matches.
“Qualifying for international competitions is one thing, but participating successfully is another. This is where the association must fully commit to preparing our national teams,” according to Hilton-Smith.
Safa must deal with coaching issues
Hilton-Smith stated that Safa must now take stock and make strategic plans in advance of the tournament, which will be held in Morocco, since the 2026 Wafcon qualification has been guaranteed.
Banyana’s last Wafcon campaign was not at all good. Following their narrow 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco to secure the 2022 title, Banyana faced significant challenges in their subsequent tournament.
The team was unable to defend their title and ended up in third place due to internal conflicts, which included salary disputes, sponsorship issues, and coaching instability.
“Now that the team has qualified for Wafcon — the key platform to reach the World Cup — it’s time for Safa to address the problems within the team, especially in the coaching department,” stated Hilton-Smith.
With four African slots available for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Banyana need only to reach the Wafcon semifinals to secure their ticket to the global showpiece.
