Banyana Banyana eye WAFCON defence in Morocco as Motlhalo nears 100 caps

South Africa begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco this week with a place at the Fifa Women’s World Cup and a series of personal milestones adding extra weight to their campaign.

Banyana Banyana are one of 16 teams at the continental showpiece, where the top four finishers will qualify for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Coach Desiree Ellis is targeting a second WAFCON crown in three editions after leading South Africa to their historic first title in 2022, and will do so with several senior players on the verge of landmark appearances.

Motlhalo set for centurion status

Midfielder Linda Motlhalo is one match away from reaching 100 caps for South Africa, a feat that would place her in a select group of Banyana Banyana centurions.

The Scotland-based playmaker, who made her senior international debut as a teenager under former coach Vera Pauw, reflected on the significance of the moment.

“It’s such an honour that I know I’m going to be on 100 caps soon, an amazing feeling and it’s that thing of me remembering my first cap when coach Vera gave me the opportunity at the age of 17. Now you’re on number 100, it’s such an honour. It’s been a long journey, a lot of ups and downs, but it has been a beautiful one.”

Motlhalo first linked up with the senior national side as a 16-year-old training player before finally earning her debut against Cameroon in 2016.

“I didn’t even struggle because I remembered all the training sessions that I did back in 2015. That’s when I understood that coach Vera knew when I was ready.”

A product of the High Performance Centre system, Motlhalo has since represented South Africa at two Fifa Women’s World Cups and the Olympic Games, and played a central role in the 2022 WAFCON success.

Her focus now is on adding another continental title to her CV.

“Every team that plays against us they go for 120%, but I think we are ready for any team that we’re going to face. The first game is the most important one because it sets the tone to the tournament.

“The energy in camp is really good and obviously the main focus is the World Cup, but the biggest thing is we’re going for gold regardless of what happens.”

Milestones on the horizon

Motlhalo is not the only Banyana Banyana player closing in on a personal landmark in Morocco.

Gabriela Salgado is two appearances away from reaching 50 caps, having battled back from the serious injury that cut short her involvement at the previous WAFCON.

Striker Hildah Magaia, who scored twice in the 2022 final to deliver South Africa’s first continental crown, is three games short of her own half-century of caps.

Defender Bongeka Gamede is also approaching 50 appearances, needing six more matches to reach the milestone for the national team.

World Cup route runs through Group B

Those personal targets will sit firmly behind team ambitions as South Africa open their Group B campaign against Tanzania, before further fixtures against Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

With World Cup qualification riding on a strong finish at the tournament, Ellis’ side know a deep run in Morocco would not only keep them on course for Brazil 2027 but further strengthen their status among Africa’s leading women’s teams.

Another successful WAFCON campaign would add to what has already become one of South African football’s standout success stories, with Banyana Banyana seeking both continental gold and another chapter of history in Morocco.