Sports

Banyana Banyana’s Final Touches Ahead of Ghana Clash at WAFCON 2025

Published

3 months ago

July 4, 2025

Chiraag

Amogelang Motau training, Banyana Banyana vs Ghana, WAFCON 2025, South Africa women’s football, tactical preparation, Casablanca camp, Joburg ETC

A tactical symphony under the Moroccan sun

In their Casablanca training camp, Banyana Banyana captain Amogelang Motau says the team’s strategy for their WAFCON 2025 opener against Ghana’s Black Queens is finally coming together. The two sides face off on Monday, 7 July, at Honneur Stadium, marking the start of Group C action.

Motau says the team has analysed Ghana closely. “They’re physical, yes, but they’re also ball players, just like us,” she said during training. “We’ve been working on ways to break them down, and it’s coming together well.”

This isn’t just another group-stage game. South Africa enter the tournament as defending champions, and the pressure is on to repeat their historic 2022 title. Ghana, meanwhile, are returning to WAFCON after missing the last edition, making them hungry and unpredictable opponents.

Mastering the Moroccan heat

Banyana Banyana landed in Morocco well ahead of the opening whistle to get used to the conditions, and it’s been scorching. One training session was cut short entirely due to the sweltering heat, but Motau says the early arrival has helped the team adapt.

“We’re definitely getting used to the weather now. Every session is a step forward,” she said. “That kind of discomfort sharpens you.”

Their camp in Casablanca has focused as much on physical resilience as it has on tactics. Training intensity has been gradually ramped up, with special attention on ball control and breaking through defensive blocks, especially under pressure.

Banyana Banyana captain in Morocco, Ghana Black Queens match prep, Group C WAFCON 2025, Honneur Stadium, hot weather training, African women’s football, Joburg ETC

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For the badge, for the people

Beyond the tactical and physical prep, Motau made it clear what really drives the team: playing for something bigger. “If we put the badge first and remember the people back home who support us, that’s what pushes us,” she said.

The squad has grown tighter through each tournament cycle, and this time around, they’re blending veteran wisdom with fresh talent. Motau, who has grown into a vocal leader on and off the pitch, says the team is taking every lesson from the past to fuel their title defence.

A game that could set the tone

With 12 top African nations in the tournament, every match counts, but this opening fixture feels personal. Ghana and South Africa have always brought passion to their encounters, and Monday’s clash is shaping up to be no different.

Ghana’s squad has relocated to Siaïda for their final prep, while Banyana will remain in Casablanca until match day. Both teams are fine-tuning their final details. Come kick-off, it will all come down to execution, nerve, and national pride.