SAFA target another top opponent for Banyana Banyana

Banyana recently concluded a European tour, where they faced Denmark and England, and will next face Jamaica in back-to-back friendlies next month.

The next preparation matches will only be played in May 2025, a month before the final tournament kicks off in Morocco, with the February and April windows already allocated to the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers, according to Monyepao.

"We received a schedule from CAF, talking about the qualifiers for the Women's AFCON in 2026, which means the first two international breaks in February and April next year are going to be occupied with qualifiers," said Monyepao.

"So that's what the team will be preparing for after Jamaica, and I think it will be key that the team looks into having a camp in January or early February so that they can prepare accordingly for whoever they will meet come February.

"We don't know, the draw still has to be done, so we don't know how pooling will be determined, but we have to be ready for whatever or whoever comes our way.

"But I think after the first two qualifiers in February and April, then we can look at securing another opponent outside the continent to prepare for the WAFCON in July.

"I think the last international break is in May, so we can look at much stronger opposition to prepare the team, just before the WAFCON, so they can test if they are almost or already there, and what needs to be tweaked a month before the tournament."

Although the Euro tour ended in defeats to both Denmark and England, Monyepao says the two fixtures were crucial for Banyana coach Desiree Ellis’ plans.

"I think the team really needed these games so that the coaching staff can assess where we are in terms of quality on the global stage," she added.

"The scoreline against Denmark was not ideal, but you can understand that some of our key players could not make the trip to Denmark due to their work permits in Mexico clashing with the Schengen Visa, but they eventually joined the team in England.

"As you saw, there was a much better performance from the team, there was more chemistry and I think it also goes to show that by the time they got to England, there was better preparation.

"I think getting to Denmark, there was only one training session, so they were much better prepared for England compared to Denmark, but tactically we have to improve and it gives Coach Des sufficient time to look around, if she needs new players."

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