Fran-Hilton Smith believes Banyana need friendlies with tough opponents ahead of WAFCON

The South Africans are currently in a training camp for two friendly matches against Lesotho as part of preparations for the WAFCON coming up in July this year.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Hilton-Smith says a lot has changed since Desiree Ellis’ charges lifted their maiden continental trophy.

"At this point, we need friendlies, yes absolutely but I think we need some top competition. Maybe some strong overseas team, Sweden, Denmark, anybody to try out the team that is going to the WAFCON and prepare with that team for the competition we can expect at the WAFCON which is gonna be very tough,” Hilton-Smith said.

“This is a different WAFCON with teams that have made tremendous progress. So, I think the federation needs to look at some top competition to prepare the team for WAFCON in Morocco in July."

READ: We are not nervous about our opening match – Ezemvelo Ladies

Hilton-Smith says it is going to be difficult for Banyana to defend the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title they won in Morocco in 2022.

"Very difficult, I think if you just look at Morocco, they've got so many players playing at the top level in France, around the world. They have incredible academic development, their academies, there is a lot of support from the team, camping, as with the other countries,” she added.

“So, I think the competition is gonna be on a very even footing and we're gonna have to be on top of our game to retain the title which I hope we do of course but it's not gonna be easy."