Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane as ravenous as ever as she heads Wafcon defence
She may not be one of the three captains that Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis elected for the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), but defender Bambanani Mbane is definitely one of the leaders within the team fighting for South Africa's pride at the Morocco-hosted tournament.
Armband or not, Mbane leads by example every time steps onto the pitch. Whether it is doing her main job of frustrating strikers with her refined and robust defending, or unleashing defence-splitting passes that the best playmakers in the world would be proud of, the 35-year-old hardly has a bad game.
Super start
At the 2024 Wafcon (it was postponed by a year due to a clash with the Olympic Games) Mbane has already starred and helped South African reach the knockout stage.
In Banyana Banyana's opening match of the tournament, in which they beat Ghana 2-0, Mbane was crowned player of the match. During the team's second outing (1-1 against Tanzania) Mbane helped salvage a point with a goal for her country after the Tanzanians had surprised the defending African champions.
But what's the secret to Mbane's consistent hunger for success? The Sterkspruit-born Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies player says it is hard work.
'One thing the general public does not know about me is that I work very hard behind the scenes; I even have a personal trainer. I train twice a day, with my club and then with the personal trainer. So, I put in a lot of practice, especially for my passing. What you see on the field is a result of that hard work and practice,' Mbane told Daily Maverick.
'I'm not a person who likes to become comfortable in one position – I want to constantly improve as a player. I never want to hear people say 'Bambanani can't play football anymore'. So, I need to always work hard, especially because age is also not on my side,' the 35-year-old added.
Testing period injured
The fact that the centre back has returned to the peak of her powers is testament to how much of a mentality monster she is. For months – between August 2023 and March 2024 – Mbane was in limbo as she recovered from potentially career-ending injury.
The serious leg injury happened at the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup. Having helped Banyana Banyana to become the first senior South African soccer team to reach the knockout phase of a World Cup, Mbane went off injured in the first half of South Africa's loss to the Netherlands in round of 16.
The road to recovery was testing, especially because the hard-nosed defender is rarely injured. But a healthy support structure aided her recovery.
'I'm grateful for the support I was getting from my wife, family and team. That really helped me bounce back from that setback, even though it was not an easy journey,' Mbane said.
Now I am back in the national team too, which is always an honour – because everyone wants to wear the Banyana Banyana jersey. So, when you are called up you must always show what you're capable of – especially because the expectations are so high. I'm really happy to be back,' the defender stated.
No retirement plans
Not only is she back, but she is back to her best as well. Hence, despite watching some of her fellow Banyana Banyana stalwarts retiring over the last year or so, Mbane is hungry to continue playing at the highest level.
Fellow centre backs Janine van Wyk (who is the highest capped player of all-time in Africa) and former African player of year Noko Matlou recently retired. Mexico-based striker Jermaine Seoposenwe – who just happens to be Mbane's roommate at Wafcon – has said she too will retire from national duty when this tournament ends.
'It was a privilege to play alongside players such as Janine and Noko. In fact, they played a huge role towards the player I am today. I used to look up to them and I wanted to emulate their success. So, it was special to play with them,' said Mbane.
'I have no plans to hang up my boots in the national team just yet. I will continue playing until I feel that I can't do it anymore. Everything we do in life is about timing and I feel as though I can still continue playing for the national team. After all, everyone is entitled to their own decisions,' Mbane stated.
'But I'm happy for the retired players. They raised the level of women's football in general, not just at Banyana Banyana,' she added.
As one of the veterans of Banyana Banyana, alongside team captains Refiloe Jane, Lebohang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau, Mbane knows that whenever she dons the Banyana Banyana shirt, it is a bigger cause than just her playing soccer.
The bigger picture
In addition to inspiring little girls and boys with her sensational displays on the field, Mbane hopes to set up a foundation to help rural athletes reach or surpass the heights she has.
'I'm keen to set up a foundation. Why? Simply because I'm a village girl. So, one day I hope I can unearth another Women's Africa Cup of Nations from Sterkspruit. I'm sure I've inspired many people by just being Bambanani, but I must also actively pull up the people who wish to follow in my footsteps,' she said.
With South Africa now in the Wafcon knockouts and awaiting a tough challenge from Senegal, Mbane is cognisant of the threat faced by Banyana Banyana as they look to become just the second country to defend their Wafcon title. Of the three total winners of Wafcon, only 11-time champions Nigeria have managed to retain the trophy.
'Anyone who plays with Banyana Banyana is also intent on beating us. But whoever is selected from this group is capable of playing. We know how important this tournament is as the defending champions. We just need to apply ourselves, even though it won't be easy to defend our title.'
Banyana Banyana are next in action on Saturday, 19 July. The winner of their quarterfinal clash against the Senegalese will face the victor in the Nigeria versus Zambia quarterfinal. DM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
2 hours ago
- eNCA
Hobbled at home, Nigerian sportswomen dominate abroad
As Nigerian women dominate sports on the continent, they're facing off not just against top talent abroad but a domestic atmosphere of mismanagement and pay disparities -- and even the risk of repression for speaking out. Nigeria is fresh off a win at the finals of Women's AfroBasket, their fifth-consecutive championship at the continent's top hardwood tournament, while last month the Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations football title. The football team's successes in particular have come in the face of pay disparities compared to their male counterparts -- when they get paid at all. The women receive a training camp allowance but the bulk of their pay comes from per-match bonuses, which vary depending on the team's results. Both the women's basketball and football teams have been plagued by late or unpaid match bonuses for years, despite their records as arguably the best teams on the continent. But when the Super Falcons landed in Abuja after their 3-2 WAFCON victory over host Morocco last month, none of the players answered questions shouted by an AFP reporter in the press scrum about whether they would ask the president, who was welcoming them at his villa, about being paid the same as the men's team. Nigerian journalists on the scene said the question was useless: it was far too politically charged. "If you speak up against what's going on, you completely lose the possibility of getting what you're entitled to, you could actually be blacklisted," Solace Chukwu, senior editor at Afrik-Foot Nigeria, later told AFP. - Strikes over late payments - Not that there aren't clashes: in 2021, basketballers called out the authorities when they topped Africa, protesting against unpaid match bonuses. The Nigeria Basketball Federation at the time denied any wrongdoing, blaming the issue on clerical errors. Like the basketball team, the women's football team has found remarkable success, stemming in part from the country's population of more than 200 million -- the largest on the continent, complemented by a widespread diaspora. They also benefited from early investments in women's football at a time when other African countries focused on men's teams, Chukwu said, helping the Super Falcons win the first seven editions of the WAFCON, from 1991 to 2006. Yet they only played a handful of test matches before they landed in Morocco for this year's competition, cobbled together at the last second. The Super Falcons haven't been completely silent in the face of mismanagement and disinterest from authorities. But rocking the boat too much appears to come with a cost. "Players who lead or dare to protest... always risk not being invited or sidelined outrightly," said Harrison Jalla, a players' union official. After Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie -- now a commentator -- led protests over unpaid wages at the 2019 Women's World Cup, she was stripped of her captaincy and was not called up for the 2022 tournament. Former men's coach Sunday Oliseh -- who himself was let go from the national squad amid protests over backpay in the early 2000s -- called the situation a case of "criminal" retaliation. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) at the time denied that it dropped Oparanozie over the protests. The NFF and the Super Falcons did not respond to an AFP request for comment on the allegations that players are afraid to speak out. - 'Sky is the limit' - Players still have hopes for women's sports to expand. "I think the sky is the limit," Nigerian point guard Promise Amukamara told AFP in Abuja, fresh off her AfroBasket win. "Obviously, more facilities should be built around Nigeria. I feel like maybe, one year we should host the AfroBasket." Aisha Falode, an NFF official, meanwhile, called on the government to "invest in the facilities, invest in the leagues and the players, because the women's game can no longer be taken lightly". Despite the challenges, women's sports are still finding a foothold among younger fans. Justina Oche, 16, a player at a football academy in Abuja, told AFP that the exploits of the team inspired her to pursue a career in the sport. "They say what a man can do, a woman can do even better," said the youngster, whose role model is six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala. "The Super Falcons have again proved this." By Samm Audu And Nicholas Roll
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns star at centre of multi-million bidding war
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has found himself at the heart of a transfer tug-of-war, with lucrative interest pouring in from North Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Sudan. The only hurdle remains the hefty price tag the Tshwane club has placed on the Namibian star. The 30-year-old, who no longer features in head coach Miguel Cardoso's plans, has attracted concrete interest from Esperance de Tunis, an unnamed Qatari side, and Al Hilal of Sudan, who have entered the race late but with serious intent. Shalulile, who joined Sundowns from Highlands Park in 2020, wasted no time in becoming the club's top marksman, consistently delivering goals across all competitions. However, his form and influence appear to have meant little to Cardoso, who has sidelined the forward during pre-season and excluded him from Sunday's MTN8 quarterfinal against Richards Bay. The writing appeared on the wall when Shalulile, along with Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau, failed to make the squad. A club insider confirmed. 'It became crystal clear that he would not be part of the way forward.' Cardoso, when quizzed about Shalulile's absence, dodged the question and pointed to the club's hierarchy for clarity, further fuelling speculation over the striker's future. While Shalulile has reportedly received verbal offers from all three interested clubs, the stumbling block remains Sundowns' valuation. According to a source close to the negotiations, personal terms will not pose a challenge, but the club must agree to the right transfer fee. Despite his recent exclusion, Sundowns activated Shalulile's one-year option after his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, signalling their intent to either cash in or retain control over the situation. With just one year left on his contract, Sundowns are under pressure to offload the player or risk losing him for free. The coming days will be crucial, as Esperance, the unnamed Qatari outfit, and Al Hilal continue to jostle for his signature. Unless Sundowns reduce their asking price, Shalulile's potential exit could remain in limbo. However, all signs point towards an imminent move. And possibly one of the biggest headlines of the South African transfer window. 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.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Seema turns to SuperSport's academy roots as Siwelele build begins
Lehlohonolo Seema will look to Siwelele United youth system – inherited from SuperSport United – as he eyes a strong start for his side in their Betway Premiership opener against Golden Arrows this weekend. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The revival of Bloemfontein football rests firmly on the shoulders of former SuperSport United youth products, as Siwelele FC head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has put his faith in development ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. The recently rebranded club — formed after the purchase of SuperSport's Premiership status — is a bold attempt to return elite football to the Free State. But logistical and administrative delays have meant a temporary relocation to Gauteng, leaving Seema with more headaches than home comforts. Still, the 45-year-old is pushing ahead with preparations as Siwelele get ready to host Manqoba Mngqithi's Golden Arrows in their season opener on Saturday night (kick-off 8pm). Speaking at the league launch on Tuesday, Seema didn't shy away from the challenges of assembling a new squad during an uncertain pre-season, which has seen a revolving door of trialists and fresh faces come through the club's gates. 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: The fixtures for the 2025/2026 #BetwayPrem season have been announced. All the matches will be LIVE on SuperSport 📺#SSDiski — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 1, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'I was not fully charged with the process of assessing trialists, I was more concerned about the time, so the coaches that were at the club administered that,' said Seema. Yet amid the instability, Seema has chosen to anchor the rebuild around players developed under SuperSport United's renowned academy system — long regarded as one of the most consistent pipelines of talent in South African football. 'SuperSport was one of the teams that had a very good development so the players I found there, I was happy to give them an opportunity,' he said. Many of the players retained may not be household names yet, but Seema believes in their readiness. 'We don't call them youngsters anymore because some of them have a season in the top flight. I call them experienced and they call me crazy.' Among those expected to feature prominently are Neo Rapoo and Aphiwe Baliti, with Seema praising their potential and maturity.
