Ex-Banyana captain urges team to tackle WAFCON without pressure

Coach Desiree Ellis and her charges jetted off to Morocco on Tuesday, and are placed in Group C with their opening match against Ghana, before facing Tanzania and Mali.

Speaking to SABC Sport, 'Dunga' says Banyana must take it one game at a time.

"I think, as the defending champions, Banyana Banyana has a target on their backs, especially among all the teams that would be wanting to dethrone them, but I'm very much aware that the team has been gelling together," Modiko said.

"We still have to deal with every match as it comes, for instance, the opening match is a critical match for all of us because we know that it will set the tone for you in this tournament and you are opening against a very strong team in Ghana.

"I think everybody has dotted their i's and crossed their t's, it's just for them to be able to play. Let's play guys, let's get on the pitch and play, because that's where we can get all the answers.

"Keep your head held high, focus on every game as it comes, let's not be overwhelmed by thinking five steps ahead."

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Ellis announced her final squad on Monday, which included teenagers Adrielle Mibe of the University of Johannesburg – where Modiko is currently head coach, as well as Bonolo Mokoma and Casey Gordon, both from JVW FC.

Dunga, who captained the national team in the continental tournament in 2010, is happy that the squad has a mix of both experienced players and youngsters.

"Coach Desiree has done everything possible to get the best team together and that good mixture of experience as well as young players – Bonolo Mokoma, Adrielle Mibe, even Casey Gordon being promoted from the junior ranks now to the senior side," she added.

"I think it is a difficult position to be in, but if you want to be the best, you have to be able to beat the best. I think right now Banyana Banyana as the defending champions, they are the best but it's just for them to go out there, have no pressure. You have to just have to go and defend your title."