SA backs Banyana Banyana ahead of WAFCON 2026 opener against Tanzania

As Banyana Banyana prepare to represent South Africa for WAFCON crown, the call for national unity is growing louder.

With South Africa’s opening match of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just hours away, government has appealed to citizens across the country to stand firmly behind the national women’s football team as they begin another quest for African glory.

The reigning African champions face Tanzania at Stade Moulay Rachid in Morocco on Monday evening, with kick-off set for 7pm CAT.

While the action will unfold hundreds of kilometres away, supporters back home are being encouraged to create a winning atmosphere through visible displays of national pride.

A nation asked to stand together

In a statement released on Sunday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) urged South Africans to unite in support of the team throughout the tournament.

Government said the players carry the hopes of millions of South Africans every time they step onto the field and that collective national support can provide an extra source of motivation as they compete against Africa’s best.

The message also encouraged supporters to fly the South African flag proudly and demonstrate the country’s unity behind its champions.

Green and gold take centre stage

Part of the nationwide support campaign includes the ongoing Banyana Fridays initiative, which encourages South Africans to wear the country’s green and gold colours throughout the tournament.

The campaign has become a familiar way for schools, workplaces and communities to show solidarity with the national team, creating a visible reminder that the players have the backing of an entire nation.

Women’s football has enjoyed remarkable growth in South Africa over the past few years, particularly after Banyana Banyana lifted their historic first WAFCON title. Continued public support is widely seen as an important part of building on that success and inspiring the next generation of young footballers.

Ellis focused on a strong start

For head coach Dr Desiree Ellis, attention remains firmly on getting the tournament off to the right start.

Speaking through the South African Football Association (SAFA), Ellis said the opening fixture is one of the most important matches of the competition because it lays the foundation for everything that follows.

She explained that the team’s preparations have centred on producing a positive result in the first game before looking ahead to later stages of the tournament.

Ellis also acknowledged that Tanzania have consistently proved to be difficult opponents whenever the two sides have met.

According to the coach, previous encounters have been closely contested, with Tanzania bringing physical intensity and a competitive edge. However, she expressed confidence that South Africa have prepared thoroughly and are ready for the challenge.

She added that maintaining a clean sheet and controlling the flow of the match will be critical if Banyana Banyana are to begin their title defence with three valuable points.

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