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TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Captain Jane explains why Banyana failed to bring home a Wafcon medal
Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane has made an honest admission about their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) campaign in Morocco, where they failed to successfully defend their title. Banyana finished fourth after losing to Ghana in the third-place playoff match on Friday on penalties. They went to the tournament as defending champions, but had a disappointing tournament. Jane said they let the nation down. 'We are disappointed to be going home empty-handed. Throughout the tournament, it wasn't easy for the players and there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch,' she said. 'We tried to put in a great performance, we tried to do our level best and we tried to retain the trophy as the main objective. But going home, there's a lot of work to be done and we are hoping in the next Wafcon we can do well, starting with the qualifiers.' No cheers. No welcome. Just cameras and questions. Banyana deserved more than silence. Let's not only show up when there's a trophy. #RespectBanyana #WeSeeYou #QueensDeserveBetter — Sports Daily (@SportsDailyZA) July 28, 2025 Among key factors that seemed to stand against Banyana in defence of their title were the less than ideal preparations, as yet another pay dispute with the South African Football Association before a major tournament resulted in a two-day pre-Wafcon strike in Morocco. The players reportedly returned to training out of a sense of duty, not because they felt the matter was resolved to their satisfaction. The absence of star attacker Thembi Kgatlane after her withdrawal from the tournament was another huge disadvantage. Jane feels the team — hugely experienced, but with some ageing campaigners and question marks over the depth of emerging talent — is in a transition phase. She said Banyana have many plus factors to take from their Wafcon campaign as they start to prepare for next year's edition, also in Morocco, where they hope to do better. 'Given the situation in camp, given the players we had and a lot of transition that was taking place in the team, we are hoping a lot of positives can be taken from the tournament and build on that. [WATCH] Banyana Banyana have returned home from Morocco following a disappointing stint at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. — SABC News (@SABCNews) July 28, 2025 'It's disappointing to sum up the tournament going home without a medal.' Midfielder Amogelang Motau has called for patience and echoed Jane's sentiments that Banyana are in a transition period. 'I will go back to the fact that it's a transition. You need time for different combinations so we can establish the chemistry of players who were able to qualify for the World Cup,' Motau said. 'These are the players who have been playing together for more than six years. We are talking about Fifi [Jane] and Linda [Motlhalo]. When I came into the midfield, I almost felt like I was lost because the two of them had so much chemistry, but with time I'm also getting there. 'I think with the group of players who are here, we have shown they have potential and are willing to get there. For me it's about playing more games together and attending more camps together, and I think things will fall into place. We need to be patient.'
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana win WAFCON Fair Play Award after falling short of title defence
Refiloe Jane Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane (left) says the players are disappointed with their final results at WAFCON 2024, where they finished in fourth place. Pic: Backpagepix Image: BACKPAGEPIX South Africa's Banyana Banyana returned from the 13th TCAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with mixed emotions. They failed to defend their title, finishing fourth after a semi-final loss against Nigeria. However, they were recognised with the prestigious Fair Play Award for their commendable sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The Fair Play Award, determined by CAF's Technical Study Group based on a multitude of criteria encompassing on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and overall commitment to the spirit of the game, saw South Africa accumulate an impressive total of 510 points. Final whistle. Pure chaos. 😮💨 Energy of the Day belongs to the Super Falcons! 🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 | @Football2gether — CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Banyana's discipline on the pitch shone through in their minimal fouls and lack of excessive protests during matches, reflecting a deep respect for both their opponents and the authority of the game. Even amidst the pressures of high-stakes matches, such as the quarter-final clash against Senegal and the semi-final against Nigeria, skipper Refiloe Jane and her teammates maintained their composure. Their exemplary conduct resonated well beyond the pitch as their deep-rooted ethos of sportsmanship and commitment to fair play shone through. Coach Desiree Ellis, a three-time winner of the Best African Women's Coach Award, has cultivated a culture within the Banyana that prioritises collective effort, respect, and solidarity. This indeed sets an example for other teams and reiterates the positive reputation of South African women's football. However, despite these accolades, the disappointment of not finishing on the podium was palpable among players. Jane candidly expressed their frustration at being unable to retain the championship title. 'We are disappointed to be going home empty-handed," she remarked. "It wasn't an easy one for the players, and there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch. But we tried to put in a great performance and aimed to keep the trophy as the main objective." This was the first time in three editions of the tournament that Banyana Banyana did not finish in the top three, having previously claimed silver in 2018 and gold in 2022. 'There's a lot of work still to be done, and we hope that in the next WAFCON, which is very important as it serves as a World Cup qualifying tournament, we can do well,' Jane added, hinting at the potential changes and adjustments within the team. "Given the situation within the camp and the players we had, we're hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from this tournament and build on that.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
South Africa: Fair play team of the 2024 Women's AFCON
Banyana Banyana take home the fair play award after a remarkable campaign. South Africa: Fair play team of the 2024 Women's AFCON South Africa was named the most fair play team of the 2024 Women's AFCON this Saturday, July 26. The Confederation of African Football honored Banyana Banyana for their exemplary conduct on and off the field throughout the tournament. Beaten in the third-place playoff by Ghana (1-1, 4-3 on penalties), South Africa wrapped up their Women's AFCON 2024 campaign with an honorary recognition. Banyana Banyana played six matches during the competition without receiving a single red card. Under the guidance of Desiree Ellis, the team displayed outstanding discipline, even in high-intensity encounters. The South Africans claimed the fair play team award with 510 points, as awarded by the Technical Study Group. "Few fouls, no excessive protests, and a constant respect for the game and its rules. Even in the most tense moments of their journey, such as the quarter-final against Senegal or the semi-final against Nigeria, Refiloe Jane and her teammates kept their composure. This attitude played a key role in earning this award, which recognizes teams that have put sporting ethics at the heart of their journey," reads the official CAF website.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON: South Africa, the Fairest of them all
Published: Saturday, 26 July 2025 While Banyana Banyana failed to retain their continental title, they leave the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a highly symbolic distinction: the Fair Play Award. With a total of 510 points awarded by the Technical Study Group based on rigorous criteria; on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and positive commitment - South Africa once again set an example. An Exemplary Team On and Off the Pitch This award recognizes the discipline, sportsmanship, and spirit of Desiree Ellis's players, key figures in African Women's Football for over a decade. Both on and off the pitch, the South Africans distinguished themselves with their impeccable behaviour. There were few fouls, no excessive protests, and a consistent respect for the game and its rules. Even in the most tense moments of their journey - such as the quarterfinal against Senegal or the semifinal against Nigeria - Refiloe Jane's teammates maintained their composure. This attitude undoubtedly contributed to the awarding of this prize, which honours teams that have placed sporting ethics at the heart of their approach. A performance worthy of the greats On the sporting front, South Africa once again lived up to their reputation. Placed in Group C, Banyana Banyana began their tournament with a controlled victory against Ghana 2-0, before being held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania. But the South Africans were able to bounce back, winning against Mali 4-0, thus securing their place in the quarterfinals. The next stage was marked by a close match against Senegal (0-0; 4-1 on penalties), where the team's tactical intelligence and composure made the difference. Facing Nigeria, the South Africans lost 2-1 in a heated atmosphere at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Despite the disappointment, they were able to acknowledge Nigeria's victory with dignity, once again demonstrating their exemplary nature. A culture of respect rooted in their DNA This is not the first time South Africa have been recognized for its behaviour. Under the leadership of Dr Desiree Ellis, the former captain turned coach and three-time winner of the Best African Women's Coach Award, the Banyana Banyana have forged a culture of collective effort, respect, and solidarity.
Daily Maverick
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Banyana Banyana run riot against Mali at Wafcon, sending clear message to title rivals
It took a couple of matches for Banyana Banyana to display their ruthlessness at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations. A 4-0 win over Mali in their final group game has sent a clear message to South Africa's challengers in Morocco. Perhaps it was the criticism that they had not yet come to the party as the defending Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) champions. Maybe it was the frustration of being held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania during their second match. Whatever triggered Banyana Banyana's 4-0 demolition of Mali in their final Wafcon group game, they have sent a clear message to their challengers at the continental showpiece: the champions are here and they will not easily relinquish their title — if at all. Stinging Banyana Much like a swarm of bees that has been provoked, the South Africans were all over Mali on Monday, 14 July. With both teams already qualified for the quarterfinals, the clash was to determine who would finish at the summit of Group C. In the end, it proved to be a non-contest as Banyana Banyana crushed the Malians to set up a quarterfinal tussle with Senegal. Two of South Africa's co-captains for Wafcon, midfielder Refiloe Jane and wing-back Lebohang Ramalepe, led the way in opening the floodgates at Oudja's Honneur Stadium. Mexico-based forward Hildah Magaia and starlet Ronnel Donnelly added gloss to the score with their second-half strikes. It was a satisfying result for Banyana Banyana, more so after their toiling against Tanzania and their workmanlike 2-0 win over Ghana in their opening Wafcon match. Against Mali, the South Africans were at their effervescent best as they struck down the previously high-flying Eagles, condemning the west Africans to a third-place finish. After the game, South Africa's coach, Desiree Ellis, said, 'We knew we were better than the first two games we played. We consistently work on what we need to improve — sometimes it doesn't happen overnight — but this game [against Mali] was a statement. A statement of intent and resilience, a statement of who we are. 'Everything [worked] … the movement off the ball, the quick passing, the rotations, the overloads… Plaudits should go to the technical team, they worked tirelessly on training [the team] even though we only had one training session before the Mali game. But we've consistently worked on getting better at certain things, and in this game we showed the quality we have.' Onwards and upwards With her team flexing its muscles at just the right time in the competition, four-time African women's coach of the year Ellis wants her players to build on the blistering performance they displayed against Mali. This is crucial, as either record Wafcon champions Nigeria (11 titles) or the formidable Zambia wait in the semifinals should the South Africans overcome Senegal. 'We need to use this [Mali win] to fuel ourselves and get even better. Because it does not matter the result, we're always looking for improvement,' said Ellis. 'We will keep working, not just on our finishing, but everything. Because there is no perfect game, there's always room for improvement. If we continue working, we'll get better at how we do it. 'Hopefully, we can take this Mali performance and push it up a notch in the knockout stages, because there are no second chances now — it's either you take your chances or you go home.' Wafcon quarterfinals One of the benefits of Banyana Banyana finishing first in Group C (with seven points to second-placed Ghana's four) is that they will remain at their original base for the tournament, the city of Oujda. Failure to win their group would have necessitated the South Africans relocating to Berkane, 60km from Oudja. Now the reigning African champions can enjoy the privilege of continuity as they prepare to take on Senegal. The quarterfinal clash takes place on Saturday, 19 July. Kickoff is at 9pm. The marquee fixture of the quarterfinals is definitely Friday's tussle between Nigeria and Zambia. Following their drubbing by Banyana Banyana, the Malians face another daunting opponent in the form of tournament host Morocco. The other quarterfinal is between the evenly matched Algeria and Ghana. DM
