Banyana Banyana Ready to Lead With Heart As WAFCON 2025 Kicks Off

With the weight of a nation’s hope and the crown of champions on their shoulders, Banyana Banyana are back on the continental stage — this time not to chase glory, but to defend it.

As South Africa’s senior women’s national team prepares to face Ghana in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 opener, captain Refiloe Jane says it’s all about setting the tone early and staying focused on the bigger picture.

Champions With a Target on Their Backs

There’s no hiding when you’re the reigning champions. Banyana Banyana walked into Morocco this week not just as competitors, but as the team to beat. After lifting the trophy in 2022 — a historic first for South Africa — the squad now faces a very different challenge: proving that their triumph wasn’t a one-time wonder.

“It’s a tough group, no team is easy,” Jane said, speaking from the team’s camp in Morocco. “Especially in Africa, you can’t take any opponent lightly. Ghana will come at us with everything — and we need to be ready to respond.”

Group C, which includes Ghana, Tanzania and an improving Uganda side, offers little room for error. But South Africa’s preparations suggest a squad not interested in excuses. Arriving in North Africa over a week before kickoff, the team has been focused on acclimatising and sharpening their strategy.

Jane, Ramalepe, Motau: Leading the Charge

Refiloe Jane may be the face of the captain’s armband, but she’s not going it alone. The 32-year-old veteran will be joined by co-captains Lebogang Ramalepe and rising midfield star Amogelang Motau. It’s a leadership trio that blends experience, energy and the future of South African football.

“For me, it’s about passing the baton,” said Jane. “We’ve come a long way. Now it’s important that we create space for new leaders, share our knowledge and move together as one unit.”

Jane’s voice carries weight — she’s played professionally in Europe and Australia, and has been part of this national setup for over a decade. But her approach is humble. She speaks more of teamwork and growth than trophies and accolades.

Keeping Heads High and Hearts Grounded

Public expectations are understandably high. South African fans, still beaming from Banyana’s win three years ago, are dreaming of a repeat. Social media has been buzzing with supportive messages and throwbacks to that unforgettable 2022 campaign.

“Let’s go defend that crown, queens!” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted: “Ghana won’t know what hit them. Banyana means business!”

But Jane remains grounded. “The pressure is there, yes. But it’s no different from before. Everyone is here to win. We’re just focused on playing our best football and making South Africans proud.”

Eyes on Ghana, But the Dream is Bigger

For now, the only fixture that matters is Ghana. A strong, physical side with a point to prove after missing the last WAFCON tournament, the Black Queens will throw everything at the defending champs.

Still, if Banyana Banyana can weather the early storm and find their rhythm, they’ll be difficult to stop. Their strength lies not just in individual brilliance, but in their unity, depth and growing confidence.

And as Jane puts it, “If we work together, share the same vision, and play with heart — then everything becomes a little easier.”

Verdict:

Banyana Banyana aren’t just here to compete — they’re here to lead, inspire and raise the bar for women’s football in Africa once again. The journey to retaining their crown begins with Ghana, but their eyes are on something far greater than one match. They’re playing for legacy.

Source:Sabc Sports 

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