Mozambique match was good preparation for COSAFA Cup final – Banyana captain

After cruising through the group stages with three wins in as many matches, the South Africans had to dig deep in the semi-finals against Mozambique – first scrambling for an equalizer then having to hold on and win via penalties.

Smidt says that the Mozambique game has prepared them well for the final.

"The team was definitely tested against Mozambique. I think it was a good test, I could say the game actually prepared us for the final. It gave us a good test of what is to come in the final and I think the girls now are aware of the test that awaits us in the final,” Smidt said.

“I think we are gonna get a similar test in the final because we know Zambia also come with physicality and Mozambique was very physical. I think it was a good prep for us for the final."

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Banyana Banyana haven’t won this tournament since 2020 and Smidt believes it’s now in their hands to bring back the glory days.

"Banyana Banyana have been consistently winning this tournament. They have been the owners of this tournament and I think it's three years that the team hasn't won it. Last year the team was out in the group stages, the year before also lost in the final against Zambia,” she added.

“So, I think it will be important for us to just get the team back to winning the COSAFA. It will be good for the girls as well because some of them it's their first time in this setup. So, yeah, it will be a good motivator for us within the team."

In 2023 the South African camp was in disarray with some players called up last minute to fill up the spaces and they eventually bowed out in the group stages.

Thalia says she and some of the teammates still remember what transpired last year and winning the final would be some sort of redemption.

South Africa has won this tournament a record seven times: (2002, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) while Zambia won it in 2022.