South Africa defender Bambanani Mbane targets huge WAFCON impact

South Africa defender Bambanani Mbane has shared thoughts on their chances at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Banyana Banyana are paired in Group B with the West African duo Burkina Faso and Cote D’Ivoire, and Tanzania, for the 16th edition, set between 17 March and 3 April.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mbane, 35, stressed South Africa’s qualities of making a strong impact despite being pitted against tough opponents.

“Honestly, the mandate for us is to win this year. We are in a strong group that is Group B, but you need to remember that in the qualifiers, we played a strong team, a team that is also physical, which is Congo, and we won – we know how to approach physical teams. So, we have a plan for Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire,” said Mbane.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has plans to integrate young players at the tournament, and the Mamelodi Sundowns defender believes the WAFCON will be a perfect platform for new players to showcase their talent.

Bambanani Mbane Declares Banyana Ready to Reclaim WAFCON Title

“This is the time for youngsters to shine. Some of them travelled with us last year but didn’t play. I like that they know what to expect, but I hope they will get some game time and use this opportunity to get a feel of international football. I like that they are teachable and have an interest to do better.

“Like I said the mandate is to go all the way to the final this year, we want to win the trophy and repeat what we did in 2022. Last year was not so great for us, but this year we are aiming higher.”

Banyana Banyana will look to go a step further than the last edition, where they suffered semi-final elimination in Morocco. They last won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.