South Africa’s women’s soccer team sees their upcoming two friendly internationals against Algeria as an integral part of their preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Banyana Banyana are hard at work, finalising details for the WAFCON, which will take place in Morocco on the 25th of July.
The competition was postponed last month.
Banyana Captain Refiloe Jane says the team must use these games to improve problem areas within their game.
“It’s gonna be very important for us to prepare very well, work on what we have been working on technically and tactically asa a team, we still have to improve and i hope the time we get to wafcon everything will be ok.”
Hosts Morocco postponed the tournament last month, shortly before it was due to start. But Banyana midfielder, Linda Motlhalo, says this was a blessing for the team, rather than a derailment.
“The postponemnet of WAFCON was a blessing in disguise. If you look at it, the league here in South Africa hasn’t started, now we will have time to prepare as the League will start and we will have match fitness.”
With inexperienced players also in the camp, Jane has emphasised the importance of unity and guidance to achieve success.
“Ours as seniors players is to guide the young players, empahasise the importance of culture in the team, remind them of the bigger picture on why they are here. They deserve to be here as they are selected to be here. Ours is to ensure that there is continuity in the team on what we have been working on over the years.”
Defender Bambanani Mbane is on the brink of earning her 100th cap for South Africa.
The first match against the Algerians is at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Tuesday.
-Reporting by Tom Molepo
