Latest news with #ThreeNationsChallenge
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana prepares for WAFCON defence amid endless challenges
Thembi Kgatlana Thembi Kgatlana's unexpected withdrawal from Banyana Banyana's Wafcon squad raises serious questions about the team's chances in the upcoming tournament. Photo: BackpagePix As the clock ticks down to the opening match of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next month, Banyana Banyana finds itself grappling with a series of hurdles that threaten its quest to retain the title. The team's preparation has been marred by unexpected challenges, starting notably with the withdrawal of star striker Thembi Kgatlana for undisclosed personal reasons. This is a blow that could significantly impact their offensive capabilities. Last week's scheduled send-off ceremony, intended to galvanise support and celebrate their accomplishments, disappointingly turned into a mere routine squad announcement. The lack of fanfare and recognition raises eyebrows about the level of support the team experiences as they head into such a critical tournament. Banyana will spend 12 days in Morocco before their opening game against Ghana on July 7. However, the team will not benefit from any warm-up matches during their time there, a decision that has raised concerns from Janine van Wyk, a respected former captain of the team. Van Wyk voiced her apprehension regarding the lack of preparation. "Banyana Banyana has shown they can defend their title, but the absence of friendly matches before the start of major tournaments is concerning," she said. Van Wyk emphasised the importance of such matches for team bonding and match fitness, proclaiming it essential for building chemistry among players, especially given the intensity and stakes of the tournament. Despite a positive outing at the Three Nations Challenge, where they faced off against Botswana and Zambia at the end of May, the overall preparation has been lacking. 'Our training and match readiness require further fine-tuning ahead of WAFCON,' Van Wyk explained. The journey to Morocco turned into a saga that tested their endurance and commitment. The journey from Johannesburg, which most certainly will not be forgotten soon, spanned over 24 hours, characterised by delayed flights and an unexpected layover in Ghana. The team left OR Tambo International Airport last Tuesday and arrived late the next day. The countdown to the tournament continues, and the added pressure of expectations mounts as the team rallies to overcome the odds stacked against them. Banyana Banyana's resolve will be tested to the full as they embark on this crucial chapter. The road to defending their crown is set with uncertainties, but their commitment and resilience have historically shone through in challenging times.
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Banyana's morale boosted for Wafcon by winning all their preparation games
Winning all their preparatory matches before the defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title in July has left Banyana Banyana encouraged and confident. South Africa beat Zambia 2-0 in their Three Nations Challenge friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium in their last warm-up before departing for the finals in Morocco. The Wafcon runs from July 5 to 26. Banyana open their tournament against Ghana at Honor Stadium in Oujda on July 7. 'We've played against Malawi, Botswana and Zambia, who are all going to Wafcon, so I think we've prepared well for the tournament,' Banyana left-back Bongeka Gamede said. 'We will be ready. The results we got from these games will build our momentum.'
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana survive Botswana scare in five-goal thriller
Gabriela Salgado Banyana's Gabriela Salgado clears the ball away from Botswana's Senwelo Leungo in Atteridgeville on Wednesday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Banyana Banyana kicked off their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) preparations with a gritty 3-2 triumph over Botswana in the Three Nations Challenge opener at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday. Early strikes from Jermaine Seopesenwe and Adrielle Mibe handed South Africa a dream start in the tri-nation series, which also includes Zambia. But Botswana battled back with a goal in each half to keep the contest alive. South Africa, eyes set on continental glory once again and with the Wafcon just weeks away, Banyana used their Challenge clash against Botswana to sharpen their blades – and they cut deep. Having barely unpacked their bags from a double triumph over Malawi last month, Desiree Ellis' side wasted no time finding their rhythm. Despite limited time in camp, the chemistry returned like an old song – smooth and dangerous. It wasn't long before the tempo rose, the passes flowed, and the intent was that of a team looking to hit the ground running. Back from injury, Refiloe Jane wore the armband like a crown, and wasted no time reminding the field of her class. Her pinpoint diagonal pass found Seopesenwe lurking, and though defender Kesegofetse Mochawe scrambled the danger away, the writing was already on the wall. From the resulting throw-in, Amogelang Masego turned sharply inside the box, setting up Seopesenwe for a powerful shot that was parried by keeper Sedilame Bosija. But the ball went only as far as Mibe, who pounced with the hunger of a lioness, and South Africa were on the board in the 13th minute. Botswana, still reeling, was caught napping minutes later. Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart launched a ball from deep, and Kgaelebane Mohlokoana played through Seopesenwe, who showed grace and poise to take it down with a silky touch before firing past the on-rushing keeper Bosija, and Banyana were 2-0 up in the 17th minute. Their last meeting between the two sides had been a cagey 1-0 win for South Africa during the 2022 Wafcon, but this time, the gap in class was widening. Botswana, desperate for a turnaround, saw their attempt to build from the back turn disastrous when Lone Gaofetoge's misplaced pass fell to the feet of a prowling Seopesenwe, who, with eyes set and locked in on target, rolled it past the keeper for South Africa's third goal of the match. Though down, Botswana were not yet out. With five minutes to halftime, Bosija combined with Radiakanyo Duduetsang, who stepped up with a thunderbolt from distance, catching Swart off her line and giving the visitors a flicker of hope with a stunning strike to go into the halftime break at 3-1. The visitors had found a new spur of energy and began the second half better than they did the first. They would soon be rewarded for their patience, with Phenyoyaone Moloi ensuring a tense finish to the match with her 63rd-minute strike pulling the visitors back within one of South Africa's lead. But it wasn't to be as Banyana were able to hang on for the win.
