Refiloe Jane reveals Banyana plans against Zambia in WAFCON opener

Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane has revealed that the South African women’s national team will be aiming for a positive result to set the tone when they face Zambia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener at Honneur Stadium in Morocco on Monday, July 7.

The 2022 winners have been drawn in Group B with Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. The tournament will take place from 5-26 July 2025.

The team arrived in Morocco eight days ahead of their opening match to acclimatise to the country. According to Jane, winning the opener against the Copper Queens will ensure they set their tone for the tournament.

“It’s a difficult group, and no team is easy to play [against], especially on the African continent […] We’re hoping we can get a positive result and then take it one game at a time,” said Jane, as quoted by SABC Sports.

Jane also urged her teammates to be prepared to handle the pressure, noting that most opponents will be motivated to defeat the defending champions.

“Well, the objective still stays the same. I think everyone going to the tournament is going to win it, so with the pressure of trying to retain the title, it’s no different for the team […] We’re hoping that we can do our level best, play our best game and try and retain the trophy, and make South Africans proud,” added Jane.

On being named the captain of the team alongside Lebogang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau, Jane said: “I’m honoured again, it’s such a privilege to be selected as one of the leaders of the team, and with the experience that I’ve gained over the years, being in the team, it’s important that I pass on the baton.

“I also have to share that experience with the upcoming players and other captains, and while it’s not easy to be the leader of the team, when we work together, share the same vision and goal, then everything becomes easy.”

Banyana are currently in Casablanca for their final preparations and will move to their base camp in Oujda on Thursday, 3 July. This is the first time they have returned to the North African country since they were crowned continental champions in July 2022.

They will begin their title defence against Ghana in 14 days (Monday, 7 July). This will be followed by the clash against Tanzania on Friday, 11 July with Mali last on the list in the group stage on Monday, 14 July.