Refiloe Jane: Algeria friendlies key to Banyana’s tactical growth

The South African senior women’s team is set to face Algeria in two friendlies on 14 and 17 April in Durban, as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Speaking to SABC Sport, Jane emphasised the importance of regular international friendlies, noting that consistent game time against quality opposition is crucial for the team’s growth ahead of the continental showpiece.

"It's going to be very important for us to prepare very well, work on what we've been lacking techinically and tactically as a team. There's a lot of things to work on, we still have to improve, we still have to get the cohesion amongst our players and hoping by the time we get to WAFCON everything will be okay."

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Jane adds that Algeria will provide a strong test, as their style of play closely mirrors that of Banyana, allowing the team to assess themselves effectively and refine their approach ahead of WAFCON.

"Algeria is very good, they have good players. Also very good tactically, so they know the style of play that they play. So, it's gonna be important for us to be able to analyse poperly, work on our home runs and make sure by the time we get to WAFCON the teams that we play against especially in the group stages, have prepared us very well. So, we're not looking harder beyond the group stages, we have to take each game as it comes and make sure that we don't get ahead of ourselves."