Former Banyana Banyana defender Noko Matlou has advised Banyana to be united if they want to make it far in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, starting in July.
Banyana go into the competition as defending champions after clinching the title in 2022. Speaking to SABC Sport, Matlou says if the national team works well together, they will be able to defend the title.
"Banyana Banyana must remain united and work together, and only if they do that, will they successfully defend their WAFCON crown," said the former Banyana Banyana International.
Banyana are in Group C with Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. Their opening match will be against Ghana, a team that missed out on the 2022 WAFCON, and Matlou acknowledges that it will not be an easy game.
"To play against Ghana requires a team effort, because Ghana is a really tough team. Everyone really wants to beat South Africa, so the ladies must be ready for every single opponent," stated Matlou.
Banyana striker Jermaine Seoposenwe announced her retirement from international football last week via her social media pages, and the Limpopo-born player says the South African Football Association [SAFA] should honour Seoposenwe as she gave her all to the national team, even from the junior ranks.
"Seoposenwe's retirement announcement made me really emotional because she's been a huge asset for this country from the youth ranks and into the senior team."
Matlou says she believes if Banyana Banyana play on the front foot, they can win every single game in the upcoming WAFCON.
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