Holweni on what it means to lead Banyana in COSAFA final

Banyana Banyana captain Sibulele Holweni has opened up on the immense pride and responsibility of leading a new generation of talent into the COSAFA Women’s Championship final against Namibia.

Ahead of the Sunday afternoon showdown at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polowane, the captain emphasised that while she wears the armband, the squad’s success is built on a collective “winner’s mindset” where every player is encouraged to be a leader on the pitch.

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Match Day
COSAFA Women’s Championship FINAL
South Africa vs Namibia
New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
15h00#BanyanaBanyana#LiveTheImpossible@SasolinSport pic.twitter.com/iYFzCls0JJ

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) March 1, 2026

South Africa face a tenacious Namibia in a high-stakes final this Sunday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00 CAT. The encounter serves as a historic echo of the 2006 final, where South Africa emerged victorious—a result the current crop is desperate to repeat.

A New Generation of Leaders Under Holweni

With the bulk of the senior “AWCON” winning stars cheering from the stands, the responsibility has fallen on Holweni to lead a revitalised squad. It is a team built for the future, but Holweni insists that leadership is a collective effort within the camp.

“It is truly an honor to lead this team, but we believe every player is a leader,” a confident Holweni told the media. “Everyone has their role to play. We have a clear goal we want to achieve, and I believe we have the right mindset to get there.”

The Road to the COSAFA Women’s Championship Final

South Africa enters the final with an unbeaten record, having navigated a challenging path through the tournament. Their journey to the “Calabash” of Polokwane included victories over Malawi, Angola, and Zimbabwe, alongside a draw against Lesotho.

Despite their momentum, the captain is wary of a Namibia side hungry for an upset. “We’ve taken it step by step. As the coach said, it will come down to who wants it more. This is a new group of incredibly amazing young players, and I truly believe they have the hunger to win it.”

One of the standout features of this campaign has been the visible support from the senior Banyana internationals. Their presence in the stands has provided a massive psychological boost for the youngsters on the pitch.

“It’s incredible to have your teammates cheering you on,” Holweni remarked. “It brings out the best in you. Sometimes you try something and it doesn’t work, but hearing that support makes you believe in yourself again.”

South Africa holds a record seven COSAFA titles, yet the trophy has eluded them since 2020. Standing in their way is a Namibian side looking to play spoilsport in front of the Polokwane faithful.

The grand finale will be preceded by the bronze medal match at 12h00, featuring a clash between former defending champions Zambia and Zimbabwe.