Banyana Banyana’s ambitions to secure passage to the 2027 World Cup remain intact, which is why they are steadfast in giving their all in the play-offs, starting with their continental clash on Thursday.
Ranked second on the continent, Banyana arrived at the ongoing Wafcon in Morocco as one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, a sluggish start to the group stage raised questions about their ambitions.
After sneaking into the knockout stage, those fears became reality. Banyana failed to qualify directly for the World Cup after crashing out in the quarter-finals, following their 2-1 loss to the host nation, the Atlas Lionesses.
Amidst the disappointment and notable instability within the team, Banyana remain on course to secure a ticket to the global showpiece in Brazil. It will not be easy; they must navigate an unfamiliar continental play-off on Thursday against arc-rivals Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium here in Casablanca, before seeking further victories in the inter-continental play-offs later this year and in February.
Given these challenges, wing-back Lebohang Ramalepe has revealed what the team must do to ensure they capitalise on this second chance in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.
“What is required is mental strength,” Ramalepe said. “As a team, we need to be clear about what we want. If we approach the next match with that mental strength, all is not lost. We need to remain mentally sharp and treat the game like a final.”
Coach Desiree Ellis’s decision to retain 16 players from the squad that won the Wafcon title here in Morocco four years ago has been heavily scrutinised, with critics bemoaning a perceived lack of desire. However, Ramalepe begs to differ, citing how the game has evolved.
“It’s not that we aren’t hungry enough; we need to acknowledge that football has changed and many teams have improved. Many are matching our level,” Ramalepe said, “while others have surpassed us.”
While there is scrutiny regarding the old guard remaining the core of the group instead of allowing for evolution and freshness, senior player Bambanani Mbane says the blame for the poor start and disappointing exit at Wafcon lies with the entire group.
“I think right from the start of the tournament, we didn’t do our best,” Mbane conceded. “It just wasn’t our time. We need to pull our socks up.”
Facing familiar arch-rivals, the Super Falcons, in the continental play-offs will require the best from Banyana. Mbane knows they must work hard, particularly in front of goal.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but most importantly, we need to score goals. It won’t be easy,” Mbane said.
“What happened is part of the game; there must be a winner and a loser. We just need to chin up and keep moving forward. There is nothing more we can do now than to press ahead and focus on the next game.”
* Mihlali Baleka is currently covering WAFCON in Morocco for IOL, courtesy of Banyana Banyana’s premier sponsor, Sasol.
