Former Banyana Banyana captain Nthabeleng Modiko backs reigning champions for WAFCON glory

The Star

17-07-2025

As the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) heats up, the nation's focus is firmly on our beloved Banyana Banyana. Having stormed through the group stages unbeaten with two dominant wins and a draw – including a sensational 4-0 thrashing of Mali – South Africa's reigning champions have emphatically secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face Senegal today.
With back-to-back titles firmly in their sights, former Banyana Banyana captain and formidable defender Nthabeleng Modiko shares her insights on what it takes to conquer Africa. Modiko, a respected figure in South African football, emphasises the critical role of a rock-solid defence in a tournament of this magnitude.
"This tournament has developed very well over the years, and we've seen the brilliance of national teams being able to give very good forwards and attackers to the world – Thembi Kgatlana [RSA], Barbra Banda [ZAM], Asisat Oshoala [NGA], Fatima Tagnahout [MOR], just to name a few," Modiko says.
"It's very important for every team to be resolute in their defensive moments and allow for minimal to no mistakes as the stages progress. That could be the decider for a team to end their campaign or go on further.
'So, I would say, it's very important to have a well-functioning and effectively communicating defence unit with players dominating their individual and group demands."
According to Modiko, the blueprint for a watertight backline, especially against formidable opponents like Senegal, lies in key elements: "The ability to track and check your opponent in a timely fashion, allowing no space or gaps for penetration, leadership, and rapid decision-making when attacked, amongst others," she explains.
As a former captain who marshalled the defence, Modiko highlights the power of constant communication.
"It's constant communication and talking to self, teammates, and even my front players. When the whole team understands what the game requires, it relieves pressure as the solution can be found within the group in the match."
Defenders, Modiko believes, bring a unique precision to team leadership.
"Most defenders will tell you that there's not much room for mistakes as a defender, so in leadership, I think defenders bring the precision correct approach to the game of football."
When facing Africa's most potent attackers, preparation is paramount.
"Being quick, strong aerially and in duels, and agile to deal with the improvisation and dribbles from attackers," Modiko lists as crucial attributes.
"The only way to deal with it is to train twice or thrice as hard, make sure to improve within your club and individual trainings because no two attackers are the same. Also, learn to launch attacks on opponents; you can't only defend the entire match."
Looking at the current Banyana Banyana squad, Modiko is confident.
"It helps that we have very experienced defenders and goalkeepers who have played in the FIFA World Cup and Olympics, so the experience and brilliance of all players is a big strength," she says.
While acknowledging potential challenges with speed against quicker players and set-piece defence against taller opponents, Modiko remains optimistic.
"As SA, we don't really have good height, but we have strong headers, and that should help for aerial duels. I wasn't tall either, but there's a lot more of positives that has helped us to be the powerhouse we are today."
Modiko passionately advocates for a collective defensive effort against Senegal.
"I believe it is the philosophy of the team to have everyone contributing to defensive duties, and not just the defenders.'
'It helps to have those wingers and attackers who are able to track and defend attacks before they reach the danger areas. It relieves the pressure and evens out the numbers to have both attackers and defenders working together to defend."
To the next generation of female defenders, Modiko offers invaluable advice:
"The training you are doing is already a big start, and the fact that you are part of the game and team. As a young up-and-coming player, invest your time in playing the matches, listening to your coaches, read and watch senior players and learn from them.'
'Take care of your body and mind because you need to be strong and ready for when the national scouts come. Stay in school and educate yourself by improving your marks. Enjoy the game."