Banyana Banyana co-captain Amogelang Motau has called on South Africans to remain patient and supportive following the national team’s disappointing exit from the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The reigning champions failed to defend their crown, finishing fourth after a narrow semifinal loss to Nigeria and a penalty shootout defeat to Ghana in the third-place playoff.
A Disappointing Finish in Morocco
South Africa’s WAFCON campaign ended with a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Ghana after a 1-1 draw in regulation time during the bronze medal match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. This followed a 2-1 semifinal defeat to longtime rivals Nigeria. The fourth-place finish marks Banyana’s worst performance since Desiree Ellis took the reins, having reached the final in 2018 and lifted the title in 2022.
Despite the backlash from supporters and calls in some circles for a change in coaching leadership, Motau believes the outcome reflects a team in transition rather than failure.
“This Is a Team in Transition”
Speaking to SAFA media, Motau highlighted the ongoing changes within the squad, emphasizing that several experienced players have recently stepped away, leaving room for new faces to grow into their roles.
“We’re going through a transition,” Motau said. “Players like Jermaine Seoposenwe have retired, and new players are now being asked to fill those shoes. That doesn’t happen overnight.”
She acknowledged that the current group lacks the familiarity and chemistry that helped the team lift the title two years ago.
“The 2022 team had been together for years. They had built strong connections, on and off the pitch, which played a big role in our success. Right now, we’re still trying to find that rhythm with new combinations,” she added.
Building for the Future
Despite the setbacks, Motau remains optimistic about Banyana’s future, pointing to the team’s next opportunity to prove themselves in March qualifiers. She believes the lessons from this tournament will be valuable for the team’s growth and preparation for future global competitions, including the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“This tournament showed us where we stand compared to other top African teams,” she said. “Now we know what to work on. We have time to prepare and improve.”
“Patience Is Key”
Motau stressed that the potential within the new generation of players is undeniable, but they need time, support, and game time to develop the chemistry needed at the international level.
“When I first came into midfield, I felt out of sync next to players like Fifi [Refiloe Jane] and Linda [Motlhalo], who had been playing together for over six years. But the more we train and play together, the more we click,” she said.
“This group has what it takes, but we need more camps, more matches, and above all more patience. The potential is there; now it’s about nurturing it.”
As the team regroups and looks forward to the upcoming international fixtures, Motau’s message is clear: Banyana Banyana is not in decline, but in evolution. And with time, unity, and support, the next chapter of South African women’s football can be just as bright as the last.
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