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TimesLIVE
02-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Banyana step up Wafcon preparations ahead of opener against Ghana
Their preparations for the opening match of the Caf Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) were disrupted by a two-day strike over unpaid bonuses at the weekend but Banyana Banyana midfielder Regina Mogolola is confident they can defend their title. Banyana begin the defence of the title they won in 2022 with a tough clash against Ghana on Monday at the Stade d'Honneur d'Oujda where they will be looking for a confidence- boosting start. After their opening match, Desiree Ellis' charges will complete Group C with clashes against Tanzania (July 11) and Mali (July 14) and all those encounters will be played in Oujda. 'We are feeling good and we are prepared,' she said. 'We know what it will take to defend our title and we will have to work as a team, play for one another, support each other, fight for one another. So, teamwork will win the day, unlike in tennis where you are on your own,' she pointed out. Mogolola, who is making a return to the national team set-up after an absence of seven years, added she is looking forward to the tournament, where she won silver in 2018 in Ghana. 'It's nice to come and learn again. I am excited, and I am looking forward to representing the country. I also appreciate the opportunity that I got the call up again, but it's all about working hard and not giving up when faced with challenges,' added Mogolola.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Regina Mogolola emphasises team spirit as Banyana eye WAFCON title defence
Taken for granted Banyana Banyana players are taken through their paces as they prepare for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. | BackpagePix Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Banyana Banyana's experienced midfielder Regina Mogolola has called on her teammates to unite and fight as a collective as the defending Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions gear up to begin their title defence in Morocco. Banyana will kick off their 2024 WAFCON campaign against Ghana on Monday, as they return to the country where they famously lifted their maiden continental crown in 2022. This time, they are heading into the tournament with targets on their backs as one of the favourites to lift the trophy again, and their group – which includes Ghana, Mali and Tanzania – promises a challenging path. The team has been hard at work in Casablanca, where they've been based for the final phase of preparations. Under the guidance of head coach Desiree Ellis, the squad is fine-tuning tactics and sharpening combinations in anticipation of a demanding group stage. Interestingly, none of the teams in Banyana's Group C participated in the last edition in 2022, which adds an element of unpredictability to the early fixtures and the group stage as a whole. For Mogolola, who makes her return to the national team after a seven-year absence, this tournament represents both a personal and professional milestone. She last featured in WAFCON back in 2018, when Banyana finished as silver medallists in Ghana. Having missed out on the historic title win in Morocco, she is determined to help the team defend their crown. 'We are feeling good, and we are prepared,' said Mogolola ahead of the tournament opener. 'We know what it will take to defend our title, and we will have to work as a team – play for one another, support each other, fight for one another. Teamwork will win the day, unlike in tennis where you are on your own.' The 32-year-old's return adds valuable experience to a squad that has undergone significant growth in recent years from Ellis and her charges. Despite the absence of star striker Thembi Kgatlana – who withdrew from the squad due to personal reasons – Banyana still boast strong depth, with many players now plying their trade overseas.
