As the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament draws closer, Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s pride and joy in women’s football, are gearing up for a tough but exciting campaign. Led by captain Refiloe Jane, the team arrives in Morocco with high hopes. They are strongly resolved to defend their title. The road to retaining their crown won’t be easy. However, Jane believes a positive result in their opening game against Ghana will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
A Difficult Group, But Optimism Prevails
Banyana Banyana are in Group C, a section that Jane acknowledges as tough. However, the team remains hopeful and is focusing on one match at a time. With the tournament kick-off looming, the defending champions arrived in Morocco early, on Wednesday, to acclimatize. This eight-day preparation period is crucial. It allows the players to adjust to the weather, conditions, and rhythm of play expected at the continental showpiece.
“It’s a difficult group, and no team is easy to play against, especially on the African continent. We’re hoping that in the first game against Ghana, we can set the tone,” said Jane in an interview with SABC Sport.
The group stage sees South Africa facing off against some of the continent’s top teams. Ghana is always a formidable side at WAFCON. Jane and her team know that if they can secure a positive result in this high-stakes opener, it will provide a solid foundation for their campaign. But as the captain notes, the team’s focus will always be on taking it one game at a time.
The Pressure of Being Defending Champions
As the defending champions of WAFCON, Banyana Banyana’s journey to the title will be full of expectations and pressure. Jane admits that the team feels the weight of being the ones to beat. Every opponent will be looking to dethrone South Africa. However, Jane believes that this is all part of the challenge.
“We’re hoping that we can do our level best, play our best games, and try and retain the trophy, and make South Africans proud,” Jane said, speaking about the immense pressure that comes with wearing the title of defending champions.
Banyana Banyana’s previous success at WAFCON has elevated their status in African women’s football. Still, Jane stresses that they need to remain grounded. They cannot get overwhelmed by the expectations. The ultimate goal is not just to retain the trophy. It’s also to give their best performance for the South African fans and make the country proud.
Team Leadership: Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
One of the defining features of the 2025 squad is the leadership dynamic. Refiloe Jane, at 32 years old, will continue in her role as captain. She will be supported by co-captains Lebogang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau. Jane’s experience on the continental stage is invaluable. She sees it as her responsibility to mentor and guide the younger players, especially the co-captains, to ensure the team remains united and focused on the task at hand.
“I’m honoured again, it’s such a privilege to be selected as one of the leaders in the team. With the experience that I’ve gained over the years, being in the team, it’s important that I pass on the baton,” Jane explained.
Jane understands that leadership is not just about holding the captain’s armband. It’s about sharing the vision and goals with the team. By sharing her wisdom and experiences with the other captains and younger players, she ensures that the leadership mantle is passed on seamlessly.
“I also have to share that experience with the upcoming players and other captains. While it’s not easy to be the leader of the team, when we work together and share the same vision and goal, everything becomes easy,” she concluded.
This approach reflects the inclusive and collaborative culture within Banyana Banyana. Leadership is a collective effort. With Jane, Ramalepe, and Motau guiding the team, the squad is poised to face whatever challenges come their way at WAFCON.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Retaining the Title
The journey to WAFCON 2025 will be challenging. However, with a determined squad, led by one of South Africa’s most experienced players in Refiloe Jane, the future looks bright for Banyana Banyana. The team’s success won’t come easily, but their belief in each other and their focus on the task at hand will be key factors in ensuring a successful defense of their continental title.
The opening game against Ghana will be pivotal. Jane has emphasized how important it is for the team to start the tournament with a positive result. A win in the first match will not only boost morale but also set the tone for the remainder of the competition. If the defending champions can manage the pressure, stay focused, and continue to play their best football, they have every chance of making history once again at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
With the support of their fans back home in South Africa and the strength of their squad, Banyana Banyana are ready to take on the challenge and continue their journey toward greatness in women’s football.
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