Bongeka Gamede is confident that Banyana Banyana will be ready to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title after a perfect Tri-Nations series.
Banyana were crowned champions of the series after beating Botswana 3–2 in the opener and Zambia 2–0 in the final game. While the results confirmed them as the best team in the mini-tournament, they were not at their best and had to dig deep in both matches.
They nearly squandered a 3–0 half-time lead against Botswana and had to leave it late to secure the win over Zambia at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
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As such, it took standout individual performances to get them across the line. Jermaine Seoposenwe scored a brace in the opener and the winner in the final match. Gamede also made her mark, scoring a stunning goal from a direct set-piece against the Copper Queens, underlining her versatility as a defender-cum-midfielder.
Reflecting on the series, the Denmark-based footballer said team unity had played a vital role in helping them win both matches, particularly the encounter against Zambia.
“I would like to congratulate the girls on their performance. We knew their strengths and how to capitalise on them,” Gamede said, to the Sasol media department.
“I think we tried to make sure they didn’t attack us as much as they would have liked. But it wasn’t an easy game.
“We made mistakes here and there, but we were able to help each other as a team. Going forward, we also supported each other.”
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Banyana Banyana defender Lebohang Ramalepe!
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The series will prove valuable as Banyana continue their preparations for the continental showpiece, which is set to be held in Morocco from 5 to 26 July.
With Botswana and Zambia also set to compete at the tournament, facing them now was a valuable learning experience for coach Desiree Ellis and her team.
“I think our chances of doing well at Wafcon are looking very good,” Gamede explained. “We’ve played Malawi, Botswana and now Zambia – all of whom will be at Wafcon.
“So they’ve given us an idea of what the tournament will be like. From here, we’ll continue preparing, and I think we’ll be ready for Wafcon.”
Before that, coach Ellis still has the tough task of naming her final squad for the tournament. Once selected, the 62-year-old will shift her focus to the final warm-up matches before the main event begins.
Considering their recent form and the Tri-Nations triumph, Banyana will go into the tournament optimistic about retaining the continental crown – especially given that they achieved this momentum without a full schedule of friendlies.
“I think these results will help us build momentum. If we can maintain that, we’ll go into Wafcon knowing we haven’t lost in the friendlies,” Gamede added.
“We need to keep building on that momentum. But we also need to understand our own strengths – and those of our opponents.
“That knowledge will help us identify where we can hurt them and where we must protect ourselves. Ultimately, working as a team will be key. Team spirit will help us prevail.”
