Banyana Banyana close to being ready for Wafcon defence, says Gamede
Bongeka Gamede is confident that Banyana Banyana will be ready to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title after a perfect Tri-Nations series.
Banyana were crowned champions of the series after beating Botswana 3–2 in the opener and Zambia 2–0 in the final game. While the results confirmed them as the best team in the mini-tournament, they were not at their best and had to dig deep in both matches.
They nearly squandered a 3–0 half-time lead against Botswana and had to leave it late to secure the win over Zambia at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Banyana Banyana emerged as the winners of the #ThreeNations challenge on Tuesday, a tri-nations tournament that also featured Zambia and Botswana.#LiveTheImpossible @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/pd1Nxs9AoJ — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 3, 2025
As such, it took standout individual performances to get them across the line. Jermaine Seoposenwe scored a brace in the opener and the winner in the final match. Gamede also made her mark, scoring a stunning goal from a direct set-piece against the Copper Queens, underlining her versatility as a defender-cum-midfielder.
Reflecting on the series, the Denmark-based footballer said team unity had played a vital role in helping them win both matches, particularly the encounter against Zambia.
'I would like to congratulate the girls on their performance. We knew their strengths and how to capitalise on them,' Gamede said, to the Sasol media department.
'I think we tried to make sure they didn't attack us as much as they would have liked. But it wasn't an easy game.
'We made mistakes here and there, but we were able to help each other as a team. Going forward, we also supported each other.'
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The series will prove valuable as Banyana continue their preparations for the continental showpiece, which is set to be held in Morocco from 5 to 26 July.
With Botswana and Zambia also set to compete at the tournament, facing them now was a valuable learning experience for coach Desiree Ellis and her team.
'I think our chances of doing well at Wafcon are looking very good,' Gamede explained. 'We've played Malawi, Botswana and now Zambia – all of whom will be at Wafcon.
'So they've given us an idea of what the tournament will be like. From here, we'll continue preparing, and I think we'll be ready for Wafcon.'
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