Latest news with #JermaineSeoposenwe
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana's fate hangs in the balance as they face Mali for WAFCON quarter-final spot
BANYANA Banyana stars Bambanani Mbane, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia were left with more questions after they drew with Tanzania on Friday night. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX Banyana Banyana will go into their final Group C match against Mali at the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Monday knowing that their title defence could hinge on this one result. South Africa currently top the group on goal difference, but they are level on four points with Mali and have not yet secured a place in the quarter-finals. A win against Tanzania in their previous outing would have booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, but a disappointing 1-1 draw means the final group clash will determine who goes through — and in what position. Head coach Desiree Ellis is aware that the pressure is now firmly on her side to deliver. 'We know what's at stake,' she said after the Tanzania game. 'We didn't take our chances and dropped points that we shouldn't have. Now we have to go out and get the job done against Mali.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The reigning champions began the tournament with a clinical 2-0 win over Ghana, showcasing their tactical discipline and efficiency in front of goal. But the lack of killer instinct in front of goal against Tanzania has raised concerns. Banyana created numerous opportunities but failed to convert, and their defensive lapse late in the game proved costly. Still, the group remains in their hands. Mali, on the other hand, responded well to their opening draw against Tanzania by edging Ghana 1-0 in their second game. That result has thrown the group wide open, with all four teams still mathematically in contention. However, victory for either Banyana or Mali would guarantee a place in the quarter-finals, while a draw could still be enough for South Africa depending on the other result. Banyana will rely heavily on the experience of Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe to lead the line. You can always trust Andile Dlamini to come to the rescue… — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 7, 2025 Both players have been among the most influential in the group, and their creativity and composure will be vital in breaking down Mali's physical and direct approach. Amogelang Motau is expected to start in midfield alongside captain Refiloe Jane, offering balance, energy and distribution. Meanwhile, in goal, Andile Dlamini is likely to return to the starting eleven after questions were raised over Kaylin Swart's positioning during Tanzania's equaliser. The switch could prove decisive, especially in a match where small margins may determine the outcome. Mali are known for their athleticism and never-say-die attitude, and they will see this clash as a rare opportunity to advance to the latter stages of WAFCON. For South Africa, it's as much about pride as it is about points — and a strong finish could not only secure qualification but help avoid a tougher opponent in the next round. Thembi Kgatlana remains absent from the squad due to personal reasons, and her absence continues to be felt. But Ellis has backed her team to step up in her absence. With everything to play for and no margin for error, Banyana must now prove why they are still the reigning champions of the continent.
Morocco World
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Tanzania vs South Africa: Match Preview & Score Prediction
South Africa will aim to seal a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Tanzania tonight at Honour Stadium in Oujda Kick-off is at 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on beIN Sports, CANAL+, New WorldTV, SuperSport, Azam Media, SABC, Ziggo, BAND, SportTV, and Arena Sport. The defending champions made a statement in their opening match, beating Ghana 2–0 thanks to goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe. That win extended South Africa's unbeaten run in 2024 to eight straight victories, with six clean sheets and 17 goals scored along the way. Another three points in this game would guarantee safe passage to the last eight. For Tanzania, the margin for error is now razor thin. A narrow 1–0 defeat to Mali in their opener has left them needing at least a point to keep hopes alive of sneaking through as one of the best third-placed sides. But facing Banyana Banyana – a side brimming with experience and pedigree – is no easy task. Twiga Stars showed promise in qualifying, but have looked short of ideas against top-tier opposition. They were humbled 3–0 by Morocco in a pre-tournament friendly and struggled to threaten Mali. Score Prediction: South Africa are simply a level above. Desiree Ellis' team are organised, clinical, and battle-hardened. Barring a miracle, this should be a routine win. MWN says South Africa 3–0 Tanzania
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Donnelly's dream debut as she shares pitch with idol Seoposenwe
Ronnel Donnelly celebrates her Banyana Banyana debut at the 2024 Wafcon, fulfilling a lifelong dream by sharing the pitch with idol Jermaine Seoposenwe during South Africa's 2-0 win over Ghana. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Striker Ronnel Donnelly has already realised two important dreams at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco. The 21-year-old earned her maiden Banyana Banyana cap in South Africa's 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener on Monday — a moment made even more special as she shared the pitch with her long-time idol and national teammate, Jermaine Seoposenwe. 'Honestly, no, not at all,' said Donnelly, when asked if she expected to make her debut against the Black Queens at Honneur Stadium in Oujda. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I didn't think I'd get the chance to play alongside the people I look up to — like Jermaine. I look up to her in every way possible, so actually playing with her has been an honour. I didn't expect it at all, but I am so grateful to be here. Like, tjo!' Donnelly's admiration for Seoposenwe clearly runs deep. Having finally shared the field with her in an official match, the young forward now believes that even greater things lie ahead. 'Oh, my God, it felt really good!' she gushed. 'It gave me hope and showed me that there's so much I can learn from her. 'I enjoy playing with her a lot in training, and when we both got onto the pitch at the same time, I thought: 'Damn, I see something here'.' Her self-belief has grown since earning her first national cap, but Donnelly was already firmly on coach Desiree Ellis' radar, thanks to her exploits in the Hollywoodbets Super League and with Varsity side University of the Western Cape (UWC). Just want to leave it all out there!! — Jermaine Seoposenwe (@jermaine109) July 8, 2025 Donnelly had a standout 2024 campaign with UWC — winning the COSAFA Cup, playing in the CAF Women's Champions League, and earning both the Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer awards at the Varsity Football Cup. Despite those achievements, nerves still crept in when her national debut beckoned. 'I was obviously nervous because it was my first time playing for the team,' she said. 'But the fact that I went in meant I must be doing something right in training — that's motivating. 'It shows there's something in me, and now I need to buckle down and work even harder to get more caps.' We don't just train for ourselves, we train for millions behind us. Every session is a promise to the badge 🇿🇦#NationalTeamPride#BanyanaBanyana — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 8, 2025
Daily Maverick
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Banyana Banyana off to positive Wafcon start after beating Ghana
Goals from Banyana Banyana seniors Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo helped South Africa to a 2-0 win over Ghana in their opening Women's Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday. Banyana Banyana shook off the negativity which had besieged the build-up to their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title defence when they beat Ghana 2-0 in their opening game at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday. Linda Motlhalo's expertly taken penalty in the 28th minute laid the foundation for South Africa's success. Scotland-based Motlhalo slotted past Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan after Noxolo Cesane was fouled on the edge of the box. Six minutes later, South Africa doubled the lead after the retiring Jermaine Seoposenwe latched on to a cross from Lebohang Ramalepe on the right wing. It was cruise control thereafter, with some occasional turbulence as the Ghanaian attack asked questions of Banyana Banyana's defence without any success. Fully focused Banyana Banyana came into this match with an extra bright spotlight focused on them — the defending champions had been plagued by off-field issues that looked like derailing the team's title defence before it even began. Their super striker, Thembi Kgatlana, made herself unavailable for selection ahead of the tournament for personal reasons. Then, the Banyana Banyana players took on the South African Football Association due to outstanding payments for pre-Wafcon friendlies. However, there were no signs of these stressors during the game on Monday. With the temperature reaching 36°C, the South Africans controlled the pace of the match throughout. Banyana did not overexert themselves in the scorching heat. After asserting their dominance with the blitzkrieg blows from Motlhalo and Seoposenwe, it was easier for the team to dictate the tempo of the match as they made the Black Queens chase the ball. When Ghana attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was on hand to thwart them, with the post coming to the aid of South Africa twice when Dlamini was beaten. It was not a memorable Banyana Banyana performance, but it was one filled with the grit and tenacity which coach Desiree Ellis says defines her team. 'We have a group of players that can rise to the occasion. We have a group of players that never know when to quit. It's a group you can rely on; it doesn't matter who comes in,' said Ellis. Unity is the key Although it was far from being a ruthless win, the outcome suggests that Banyana Banyana are now fully focused on defending their title. Of course, improvements need to be made, particularly in defence. Banyana played a high line that the Black Queens sometimes breached, only to be wasteful or for Dlamini to deny them. Against better opposition, such opportunities will be exploited. Banyana Banyana co-captain Refiloe Jane said the team members would support each other as they target the tough task of winning successive Wafcons. Only 11-time champions Nigeria have managed this feat in the three-decade history of the tournament. 'The most important thing in our team is unity, to go out and do it for one another. We always encourage that before games: 'Don't forget your sister, whatever you do, do it for the next person.' That was also the secret of winning the previous edition. It's the unity that we have and the will to fight for one another,' said Jane. Banyana Banyana play Tanzania on Friday, 11 July. Success in that match will see South Africa qualify for the knockout round. DM
CAF
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa begin WAFCON title defence with confident win over Ghana
Published: Monday, 07 July 2025 Reigning champions South Africa got their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a perfect start with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener in Oujda on Monday. Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside the opening 35 minutes gave Banyana Banyana the result they needed to assert their status as title contenders in the expanded 12-team competition. Desiree Ellis' side looked composed from the outset and took the lead on 28 minutes after a VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane. Motlhalo stepped up and slotted home coolly to the bottom right corner, giving South Africa the advantage their early pressure deserved. Moments later, they struck again. Full-back Lebohang Ramalepe surged forward and threaded a clever pass into the path of Seoposenwe, who calmly finished low into the far corner to double the lead. Ghana, making their return to WAFCON after missing the last edition, struggled to match the pace and organisation of their more experienced opponents. While they grew into the contest in the second half, they were wasteful in front of goal, with both Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi hitting the crossbar. Despite several promising spells of pressure after the break, the Black Queens were repeatedly denied by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who made key saves to preserve the clean sheet. South Africa managed the game well in the closing stages, introducing fresh legs through Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly to control possession and absorb Ghana's late push. The result extends Banyana Banyana's impressive record in opening WAFCON matches, having now won their last three tournament openers, including previous wins over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022. Ghana, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to progress from a tricky Group C that also includes Mali and Tanzania.
