SAFA CEO says Banyana not yet ready for WAFCON defence

Desiree Ellis’ charges are the defending champions. As part of preparations for the WAFCON, the African Champions played six games – with only one win, a draw and four defeats.

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Against Senegal, the South Africans drew one and were victorious in the other, but lost four in a row to Denmark, England and twice against Jamaica. 

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Monyepao said a lot still needs to be done.

''The players know what is needed from them. It is up to them to push themselves  of the camp, their own clubs and training schedules. They have to work on themselves because next year it will not be easy. Nobody goes to a competition as defending champions and have it easy. I think we need work on quite a few areas, be honest will ourselves in terms of what we need to improve when it comes to preparing for WAFCON, the technical team needs to tell what needs to be done,'' said Monyepao.

Monyepao says it was important to get quality opposition for Banyana Banyana to prepare well for WAFCON – and the games revealed what needed to be fixed ahead of the continental competition.

The year 2025 will see a hectic schedule for all women teams with the U17 and U20 taking part in FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, while Banyana Banyana will be going to Morocco to defend their title.

At club level, the CAF Women’s Champions League will be added to the domestic league season schedule. Monyepao says she loves the busy schedule.

''Be careful what you wish for, they say you might just get it. These kinds of competitions - is what we wished for when we were players. We wished to play for the U20, we wanted to play in the seniors, in Cosafa - all these competitions. This shows that women's  football is growing in Africa. Big ups to CAF for their efforts to grow women's football,'' added Monyepao.

Monyepao says based on the way African women’s football is on the rise, the continent could be a force to be reckoned with at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

''I think we will be competitive at the next World Cup, given the direction our football is taking on the continent. I think African football teams are a must watch at the next World Cup in Brazil, I think they are going to shock a few teams,'' she expressed.