23-06-2025
Refiloe Jane leads Banyana's focused bid to defend WAFCON Title
Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo during the Banyana Banyana Training at UJ Sports Grounds. | BackpagePix
Image: Sydney Mahlangu
Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane says South Africa's senior women's national team is fully focused on one goal as they prepare to travel to Morocco for the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — defending the continental crown they claimed in 2022.
The reigning champions will begin their title defence in Group C, with their opening match scheduled for Monday, 7 July against Ghana at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda.
The northern Moroccan city will serve as the team's base for the group stages of the competition, which runs from 5 to 26 July.
Having led the side to its historic maiden title three years ago, Jane insists the mission remains unchanged — regardless of changes in personnel.
The fact that Sasol Banyana Banyana are defending champs is not lost of Juice ahead of WAFCON.#SasolinSport#LiveTheImpossible#BanyanaBanyana — Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) June 22, 2025
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'I don't think it's going to be different — the objective is still the same. We have to go out there and defend the title,' she said.
'Whether it's different players, old or new, the motivation is still the same. It's very difficult to win it, but it's even more difficult to retain, and that's the mission of this team.'
South Africa's group includes formidable opposition, and Jane warned against any complacency as the team prepares to face some of the best in African women's football.
'The group we're in is a very difficult one. Every team that's in the tournament is going to fight tooth and nail — there are no small or big teams,' she said.
One major absentee from the WAFCON-bound squad will be star forward Thembi Kgatlana, who is unavailable for personal reasons.
