Banyana won SA’s hearts and minds

Banyana Banyana did not win the women’s Africa Cup of Nations but their performance in the tournament, which was hosted for two weeks in Ghana, gave the country something to shout about. Though the SA women’s team lost to Nigeria in the final, they had already won the love of the nation with their brave approach to the games, which led to them earning World Cup qualification. This they achieved when they reached the Afcon’s semifinals.

They started the tourney on a high, beating Nigeria in their opening match via a world-class scorcher by Thembi Kgatlana. As fate would have it, Banyana met the Super Falcons, the defending champions, again in the final. It was a tough encounter, earning the SA girls more respect with the manner they stood their ground as they went toe to toe with their foe through 120 minutes of football until the penalties had to decide. Losing 4-3 on penalties at the end was no disgrace as Nigeria fervently celebrated their fortune. The conclusion did not feel like an anticlimax because Banyana were impressive right to the end. We don’t say that because of a biased love for them but the facts from the tournament confirm it. Banyana and third-placed Cameroon were the only teams not to lose a match in regulation time. With a total of 11 goals, Banyana were the highest-scoring team in Ghana, with Kgatlana scooping the top-scorer gong with five goals. Kgatlana, 22, was deservedly also named player of the tournament.

More factors in favour of Banyana being the darlings of the nation include their superb physical conditioning, entertaining football and overall solid form – from start to finish they were no pushovers but brilliant flag bearers for SA. Before the start of the African championship in Ghana, Banyana were crowned sports team of the year at the SA sports awards. South Africans love winning and as far as that quality is concerned, this women’s team is right on track.

We continue to wish Banyana well as they shift their focus on the 2019 World Cup in France. In them we have found our belief to dream big again in international football after countless disappointments by their better-resourced male counterparts.

Phambili Banyana, phambili!