Banyana knows what it will take to defend WAFCON title – Mogolola

Banyana Banyana midfielder Regina Mogolola has called for teamwork as the South African women’s national team aim to defend the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title they won back in 2022.

Banyana are currently in Casablanca for the last phase of their preparations, with the tournament commencing on Saturday, July 5. They will play their Group C opener against Ghana next Monday at Honneur Stadium, and Mogolola says the team is in high spirits ahead of their fixture against the Black Queens.

“We are feeling good, and we are prepared. We know what it will take to defend our title, and we will have to work as a team – play for one another, support each other, fight for one another. So, teamwork will win the day, unlike in tennis where you are on your own,” said Mogolola as quoted by SAFA official website.

Mogolola will be making a return to the national team setup after an absence of seven years and she is looking forward to the tournament – she won silver in 2018 in Ghana with Banyana Banyana in the same competition.

“It’s nice to come and learn again. I am excited, and I am looking forward to representing the country. I also appreciate the opportunity that I got the call up again, but it’s all about working hard and not giving up when faced with challenges,” added Mogolola.

The African Champions, who will play all their Group C matches at the Honneur Stadium in Oudja, will depart Casablanca on Friday (4 July) and travel to their base camp in Oujda. First up will be a clash against Ghana in the tournament on Monday (7 July). They will then tackle Tanzania and Mali on Friday (11 July) and Monday (14 July) respectively.