Banyana Banyana star says WAFCON delay was a blessing in disguise

The Confederation of African Football postponed the continental showpiece that was initially supposed to take place in March/April to 25 July to 16 August. 

Banyana will take on Egypt in a two legged friendly and Mbane says the friendlies will help them see how far they are with their WAFCON preparations. 

"WAFCON was postponed but I think that was good for us as a team. I think we were not well prepared because remember we were in the pre-season, so we didn't have enough time to prepare for the WAFCON," Mbane said.  

"So, I think with the new dates we have enough time to prepare for the WAFCON. Also, these two friendlies will help us going into the WAFCON, so we can gauge how far we are as a team and where we need to improve." 

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Banyana also faced another North African giant, Morocco, in December and clinched a 2-0 victory in that friendly, with the Sundowns star looking forward to the challenge against Egypt. 

"If you look at Algeria, they play similar football as us, so it's going to be a good game. It's not going to be physical. We are expected to perform and every single player in the team is expected to give their best," she added.

The national team recently lost the COSAFA Women's Championship final to Namibia at home, and Mbane says it’s easy to mentor the young players because they listen.  

"What I love the most about the future of Banyana is that you are given a chance and when you get that chance you must use it and what I love about the youngsters is they are willing to learn from the senior players.

"We also support them and show them what is expected from them but I'm happy with how they respond. It's not going to be easy but at least they are performing well," she concluded.