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The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Former Zambia star, Melissa Kape Saili, tips Morocco to edge thrilling WAFCON final against Nigeria
Former Zambia Women's national team player, Melissa Kape Saili, believes host nation Morocco may just edge the highly anticipated Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against reigning champions Nigeria. Speaking exclusively to Showmax Premier League ahead of the monumental clash, Saili offered a compelling analysis of the tournament's standout teams and the remarkable growth of women's football across the continent. "That's going to be a cracker of a match," said Saili when asked about the final showdown. 'Obviously Morocco have the 12th player with their fans and them playing at home. Nigeria come with experience, having won this competition numerous times. They going to go to any extents to make sure they return the glory that they've always come up with in this tournament." Despite Nigeria's formidable record, Saili is leaning towards the hosts. "Morocco will want to get their maiden WAFCON trophy, so between these two teams I would go for Morocco. As much as Nigeria is playing great football, I should maybe try to take a risk and gamble and say Morocco will win it." She highlighted Morocco's impressive resilience throughout the tournament. "They've had great mental strength right from the first game. So many times they have come from behind to equalise and win the game. Their mental resilience is excellent.' 'Their endurance levels are brilliant and the tactical way the coach changes the game has been excellent. Look at the game against Ghana, we expected Morocco to crumble and not come back into it, but again they came back with a totally different game tactically." Reiterating her prediction, Saili added: "I have the belief that Morocco may just win this one. They are hosting it, and in the last edition of WAFCON, they reached the final as well. They have been consistent in their performance. But Nigeria will also be hungry to win. They want to come back and reclaim their glory, and once again be the landlords of the trophy. The journey of both teams has been great. 'Nigeria is showing hunger to win it back, but so does this consistent combative Morocco team. The final is going to be a tough match for both teams, but I believe that Morocco may just run away with it this time round." Beyond the finalists, Saili was particularly impressed by the performances of other nations. "I was most impressed by Algeria and Tanzania. Those two teams are for me the most impressive. It was just Tanzania's second experience at WAFCON. Their game against Banyana Banyana was undoubtedly the best game of the tournament for me. 'A lot of people thought it would be a walk in the park for Banyana Banyana, but then everybody was shocked to see how Tanzania took the lead. It took a lot from Banyana Banyana to come back and get the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game." She also praised Algeria. "Algeria also really impressed me. They didn't score much, but didn't concede in open play which was remarkable. They were a little blunt in front of goal in the tournament, but they were excellent in all other areas of the game." Saili also expressed her immense satisfaction with the overall quality of football displayed at this year's WAFCON, underscoring the significant advancements in African women's football. "A lot of talent was unearthed at this year's WAFCON because we saw a lot of players come to the limelight, and we unearthed some raw talent. 'There were lots of youngsters in the Tanzanian team that made a remarkable impression. We saw a super great Algerian team, we saw a Ghana team that fought hard despite having such a tough start to the tournament. 'They picked themselves up, and especially played their lungs out in the last two games of the tournament. They lost their final game in the tournament against Morocco, but they gave everything in the game. Morocco to me had the best mental strength in the tournament. To come back multiple times to win games shows what a resilient team they are." "We also saw sparks in the Nigeria v Banyana Banyana game. Too bad we had that freak accident on Gabriella Salgado, I do wish her well.' 'South Africa also lost their way at some point in the semi-final. At one point in the game I thought they would get the winner and set themselves up in a final once again. I thought we would see a repeat of the last WAFCON final between Banyana Banyana and Morocco." Saili added that women's football continues to improve on the continent of Africa. "To be honest, I was impressed with all the teams in the tournament, and going forward we will see even more competitive games. T here has been a lot of improvement in African women's football, not only in Zambia but all over the continent. What the ladies are achieving has been remarkable. Lots of strides have been taken and steps have been made. Many of our players are also plying their trades outside of Africa, so we are seeing quality football being played everywhere. I'm happy to see the massive improvement that has taken place in African women's football."
The Star
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Robyn Moodaly hails WAFCON win as career best, urges Banyana to defend title
As the excitement builds for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025, former Banyana Banyana midfielder Robyn Moodaly says winning the 2022 WAFCON was the best moment of her career and has urged Banyana to give it their all to defend the title. In an exclusive interview with Showmax Premier League, Moodaly shared her profound message for the team: "Trust in yourselves and each other. Stick together no matter what happens. Take it one game at a time, and don't let the pressure or expectations get in the way of enjoying the moment. And remember why you're there, to represent the country with pride and to make history again." Moodaly, an experienced midfielder who featured in two Olympic Games and a Women's World Cup, and was a vital part of the victorious 2022 WAFCON squad, vividly recalled that historic triumph. "It was honestly incredible. Being part of that squad and making history for South Africa was something I'll never forget. There was such a strong sense of unity, pride, and belief in the team. From the first game to the final whistle, you could feel how much it meant to everyone – the players, the staff, the supporters back home. It was emotional and special in every way." She further emphasised the personal significance of that win. "Definitely one of the best, if not the best [moment of my career].Winning a continental title for your country doesn't happen often, and to be part of the group that brought it home for the first time was something I'll always be proud of. Personally, it was a huge highlight and a moment I'll cherish forever." Moodaly also shed light on the demanding nature of the tournament itself. It's very tough. You're playing against the best in Africa, and every match is physically and mentally demanding. The schedule is tight, there's travel between games, and the pressure is always there to perform and to represent your country well. You have to stay focused and manage your recovery properly to be ready for each game." Addressing the pressure on Banyana as defending champions, she affirmed, "Yes, for sure. When you're defending champions, there's always extra pressure because everyone wants to beat you. 'Expectations are higher from the outside too. But I also think that pressure can be a positive and Banyana adapt well to pressure, it shows the standard the team has set and the belief that they can do it again." On the current squad's capabilities, Moodaly is confident. "There's a lot of quality in the squad, and many players have big tournament experience now. If they stay focused, united and play to their strengths, they're definitely capable of going all the way again." Showmax Premier League this week kicked off a thrilling month of women's football starting with the UEFA Women's EURO's on Wednesday, with WAFCON set to follow this weekend. This monumental line-up promises to showcase the pinnacle of women's football talent directly to screens across the continent. The spotlight, however, will be trained on the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Banyana Banyana are poised to defend their coveted title. The tournament officially kicks off on 5 July, with Banyana Banyana beginning their championship defence on 7 July in a mouthwatering clash against Ghana. Under the expert guidance of Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana made history in 2022 by lifting the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time. With five previous runner-up finishes, they enter this year's competition as strong favourites to once again hoist the silverware. Banyana Banyana's WAFCON group stage fixtures: Banyana Banyana v Ghana: Monday, 7 July: 18:00 (Live on Showmax Premier League & SuperSport) Tanzania v Banyana Banyana: Friday, 11 July: 21:00 (Live on Showmax Premier League & SuperSport) Banyana Banyana v Mali: Monday, 14 July: 21:00 (Live on Showmax Premier League & SuperSport)
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Robyn Moodaly hails WAFCON win as career best, urges Banyana to defend title
As the excitement builds for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025, former Banyana Banyana midfielder Robyn Moodaly says winning the 2022 WAFCON was the best moment of her career and has urged Banyana to give it their all to defend the title. In an exclusive interview with Showmax Premier League, Moodaly shared her profound message for the team: "Trust in yourselves and each other. Stick together no matter what happens. Take it one game at a time, and don't let the pressure or expectations get in the way of enjoying the moment. And remember why you're there, to represent the country with pride and to make history again." Moodaly, an experienced midfielder who featured in two Olympic Games and a Women's World Cup, and was a vital part of the victorious 2022 WAFCON squad, vividly recalled that historic triumph. "It was honestly incredible. Being part of that squad and making history for South Africa was something I'll never forget. There was such a strong sense of unity, pride, and belief in the team. From the first game to the final whistle, you could feel how much it meant to everyone – the players, the staff, the supporters back home. It was emotional and special in every way." She further emphasised the personal significance of that win. "Definitely one of the best, if not the best [moment of my career].Winning a continental title for your country doesn't happen often, and to be part of the group that brought it home for the first time was something I'll always be proud of. Personally, it was a huge highlight and a moment I'll cherish forever." Moodaly also shed light on the demanding nature of the tournament itself. It's very tough. You're playing against the best in Africa, and every match is physically and mentally demanding. The schedule is tight, there's travel between games, and the pressure is always there to perform and to represent your country well. You have to stay focused and manage your recovery properly to be ready for each game." Addressing the pressure on Banyana as defending champions, she affirmed, "Yes, for sure. When you're defending champions, there's always extra pressure because everyone wants to beat you. 'Expectations are higher from the outside too. But I also think that pressure can be a positive and Banyana adapt well to pressure, it shows the standard the team has set and the belief that they can do it again." On the current squad's capabilities, Moodaly is confident. "There's a lot of quality in the squad, and many players have big tournament experience now. If they stay focused, united and play to their strengths, they're definitely capable of going all the way again." Showmax Premier League this week kicked off a thrilling month of women's football starting with the UEFA Women's EURO's on Wednesday, with WAFCON set to follow this weekend. This monumental line-up promises to showcase the pinnacle of women's football talent directly to screens across the continent. The spotlight, however, will be trained on the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Banyana Banyana are poised to defend their coveted title. The tournament officially kicks off on 5 July, with Banyana Banyana beginning their championship defence on 7 July in a mouthwatering clash against the expert guidance of Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana made history in 2022 by lifting the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time. With five previous runner-up finishes, they enter this year's competition as strong favourites to once again hoist the silverware. Banyana Banyana's WAFCON group stage fixtures:
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lorch showed the world what he is made of at the Club World Cup
Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small say Lorch lived up to his song at the Club World Cup. Thembinkosi Lorch scores for Wydad against Juventus at the Club World Cup in the USA. Picture: EPA/WILL OLIVER Showmax Premier League While Wydad AC exited the FIFA Club World Cup this week, one name has resonated across the global football stage: Thembinkosi Lorch. ALSO READ: Pirates announce a magnificent seven The South African maestro's electrifying performances for the Moroccan giants have captivated audiences, culminating in a spectacular goal against Italian powerhouse Juventus. The world bears witness to Lorch magic Lorch's undeniable impact, despite his team's early departure, has been witnessed around the globe. Two men in particular who have watched him closely are South African musicians DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. The two have special interest in Lorch, having released the song 'Lorch' in 2019, which is a song that pays tribute to the footballer. This week, Showmax Premier League caught up with the musicians to chat about Lorch's rise in the football world and how he has taken the international stage by storm. Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, better known as the Scorpion Kings, have reflected on the inspiration behind their chart-topping tribute 'Lorch' and the footballers current brilliance. When asked about the reasoning behind the song 'Lorch' in 2019, DJ Maphorisa revealed, 'When we made Lorch, it was during a time when Thembinkosi was dominating South African football,' said Maphorisa. 'He was the player that everyone was talking about – whether you were a football fan or not, you knew about Lorch. His performance in the Soweto Derby where he scored against Kaizer Chiefs really stood out. But beyond just one game, it was the flair, the confidence, and the swagger he carried on the pitch. That energy is the same energy we wanted in the song – something that feels alive, exciting, and full of vibes.' 'He became an icon of excellence' Kabza De Small added: 'Lorch has always had that thing. It's not just his skills – it's the way he is, how he carries himself, the way he represents the youth, the hustle. He became an icon of excellence and ambition for young South Africans. Just like in music, when someone shines that bright, we must celebrate it. That's why we did the song.' The simplicity of the song's title, 'Lorch,' was a deliberate choice to amplify its impact. 'Yeah. Just the name Lorch alone carries the association. When you hear the song, whether you're at groove, in a taxi, or watching football, you immediately know the vibe. It was meant to be an anthem – a direct shoutout, something simple but powerful. One name, big meaning.' Witnessing Lorch's dazzling displays at the FIFA Club World Cup has been a source of immense pride for the musicians. When asked if they ever envisioned him reaching such heights, Kabza confidently says yes. ALSO READ: Sundowns can hold their heads high despite Club World Cup exit 'When someone has that much talent and dedication, it's only a matter of time before the world catches on. We always knew Lorch was special. He's showing the world what South Africa is made of, just like we are with our music.' 'His playground' DJ Maphorisa was particularly impressed by Lorch's composure under pressure. 'Just like us on stage, the biggest platforms can either break you or bring out the best in you. Lorch looks fearless out there. It's like he's making the world his playground, and we love to see it.' The global spotlight on Lorch has also brought a new dimension to their iconic track. 'It's unbelievable but great' says Kabza. 'The song has definitely taken on a new meaning. Back then, it was a celebration of his local greatness – now, we can celebrate that it's an anthem that follows him globally. It's like the soundtrack to his journey, and it makes us proud to have been part of telling his story from early on.' Beyond football, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small hope their song continues to inspire young South Africans across all fields. 'That's always been the mission,' Maphorisa emphasised. Whether its football, music, fashion, or whatever your hustle – we want young people to know that if Lorch can do it, if The Scorpion Kings can do it, then you can too. 'Dream big, work hard, and stay true to yourself. The song is bigger than just football – it's about believing in yourself.' Looking to the future, the Scorpion Kings have high hopes for Lorch's career. 'The sky is the limit for Lorch,' says Kabza. 'We'd love to see him continue breaking barriers in his journey. And definitely, we hope to see him shine in the national team jersey again.' Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for R99 p/m at for all the Premier League action and more.
The South African
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Fish worries Kaizer Chiefs fans?
Orlando Pirates are the favourites to beat Kaizer Chiefs in today's Nedbank Cup final. Mark Fish has explained this rather well. 'It's a cup final, so obviously it's a big game for both teams,' Fish told Showmax Premier League . 'However, if you look at the progress of the two teams, this game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it's just another game. 'Pirates have shown consistency and composure under pressure. They've been here before and they've delivered. Chiefs, on the other hand, are under serious pressure to lift a trophy. Obviously the new coach has been there for a season, but him and the players will understand that this is a very big game for them. It's a massive occasion. 'It's not difficult to predict a winner in my opinion. Pirates are the favourites and I expect them to get the job done and handle the expectations of a cup final,' Fish added. Kick off will be at 15:30 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
