Banyana will fight like soldiers to win Awcon, says star Mbane
SA are chasing a maiden Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title. By
Who will be the last team standing when the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon) concludes on 23 July? Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane hopes it will be South Africa.
The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies defender, who is the country’s reigning female Footballer of the Year, as voted for by the South African Football Journalists’ Association, is one of five players from her club in the Banyana squad in Morocco.
The others are number one shot stopper Andile Dlamini, 21-year-old Karabo Dhlamini, midfield anchor Thalea Smidt and forward Melinda Kgadiete.
Juice, as Mbane is known to her teammates, feels the experience of the quintet from the reigning African club champions will play an important role in helping Banyana push for a maiden Awcon title.
“One thing I like about Sundowns is that everyone is hungry for success in the team. It’s the home of champions,” Mbane told
prior to the team’s departure for Morocco.
“When you’re playing with such people, who have success at the forefront of their minds at all times, you’re motivated to be a better player. It injects you with that winning mentality.”
This means pursuit of continental glory gives South Africa an extra hurdle to leap, a quarterfinal, compared to the last edition in 2018, when they were beaten by the Nigerians in the final.
Mbane is unperturbed: “That [extra match] means we’ll have some pressure on us. But we must be able to handle that pressure and not be distracted from the main goal – to win the tournament. We know it won’t be easy, but we are going to push.
“The coach sat us down, because there is a mix of experienced players and some younger players in the group. She told us that, as the senior players, we must guide the younger players. It’s our responsibility to show them what is expected at this level. Everyone must be ready mentally. But the team spirit is amazing. We will fight like soldiers to bring the trophy home.”
A newcomer is excited and nervous
One Banyana cadet soaking up Mbane’s abundant wisdom is the youngest member of Desiree Ellis’s team, Nthabiseng Majiya.
The 18-year-old starlet from Richmond United, who play in the top-flight Hollywoodbets Super League, is bubbling with both excitement and nerves.
“I am learning from the senior players as to how I should prepare myself,” said the young forward.
“I have to say the intensity is very high here, but I am getting there and I am pushing a lot. I am excited, but nervous because this is my first experience in the national team. I just want to win the tournament and make our country proud.”