South Africa captain Refiloe Jane has underlined the importance of starting strong as Banyana Banyana prepare to face Ghana in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reigning champions touched down in Morocco on Wednesday for a pre-tournament acclimatisation camp, ahead of the Group C encounter that will test their title credentials from the outset. For Jane, this first fixture is not just a match—it’s a tone-setter.
“It’s a tough group, and no team on the African continent can be underestimated,” Jane told SABC Sport. “We know how important the opening game is. Against Ghana, we want to set the tone for the rest of the competition.”
Now 32, Jane is entering her third WAFCON as one of the most experienced figures in the South African squad. Her measured leadership and calm presence have been integral to Banyana Banyana’s rise to the top of the women’s game in Africa.
But as the defending champions, South Africa now carry the weight of expectation into every match—a reality Jane is neither shying away from nor burdened by.
“The pressure is no different,” she said. “Every team in the tournament is here to win. We know that we’ll be seen as favourites, but our objective is the same as everyone else’s: to give our best, play great football, and try to keep the trophy.”
That trophy, won in Morocco in 2022, marked a historic moment for South African women’s football—their first-ever continental title. Jane, who played a pivotal role in that triumph, is now focused on helping the team defend their crown, while also mentoring a younger generation rising through the ranks.
Appointed co-captain alongside Lebogang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau, Jane sees her leadership role as both a responsibility and an opportunity to guide emerging talents.
“It’s always an honour to be named one of the leaders of the team,” she said. “With the experience I’ve gained over the years, I understand how important it is to pass the baton. That’s how we grow—not just as a team, but as a footballing nation.”
She continued: “It’s not always easy to be a leader, but when we work together, when we all share the same goals and vision, it becomes much easier. We support each other, and that unity is what makes this group so strong.”
The squad’s preparations in Morocco are seen as a crucial part of their campaign, allowing them to adjust to the climate and conditions they will face throughout the tournament. South Africa will compete in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Algeria—three sides capable of upsetting expectations.
Jane and her teammates are well aware that defending a title comes with unique challenges. Complacency is not one of them.
“We take it one game at a time,” Jane said. “The focus right now is Ghana. We want to play our best football from the start, and we want South Africans to be proud of the way we represent them.”
As the 2024 Women’s AFCON approaches, Banyana Banyana are banking on a blend of experience, hunger, and unity to carry them through another historic campaign—beginning with the all-important opener against Ghana.
