Hlalele backs Banyana Banyana to beat hosts Morocco again in Wafcon quarter-final

Gloria “Sweet 16” Hlalele believes Banyana Banyana can repeat their 2022 success when they face hosts Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) quarter-finals in Rabat on Saturday.

South Africa defeated Morocco in Rabat three years ago to win the tournament, and Hlalele sees a strong parallel with the current meeting. Morocco are once again hosting the competition, while Banyana Banyana are aiming to retain the title they won in 2022.

“We beat Morocco in Rabat in 2022 to win Wafcon, and they were the hosts,” she said. “They are the hosts even now, and we are meeting them on Saturday, so lightning must strike the same place twice. Banyana Banyana just need to play their usual entertaining football.”

Hlalele said the defending champions would need to approach the match collectively if they were to progress to the last four.

She also voiced concern about the team’s performances, saying their recent displays had made supporters anxious despite the ability within the squad.

“ They seem to be struggling, and you get nervous when watching them play, and that is not what one wants to see, especially when you know their capabilities.”

Hlalele, who is known by the nickname “Sweet 16”, entered South African football at the age of 16, at a time when women playing the sport faced suspicion and resistance.

The Tembisa-born football figure is regarded as a pioneer of women’s football in the country. She played competitive local football alongside men during the 1980s and was involved in founding Banyana Banyana in 1993.

Reflecting on the qualities she wants to see from the current side, Hlalele praised the players’ effort but argued that the team needed greater work rate.

“I give them 100% in their work rate; [and] you need more white players because of their high work rate − remember even in the PSL, we had the likes of Jingles Perreira; Andy Karajinsky and Phillip Venter, who worked very hard.”

Banyana Banyana’s quarter-final against Morocco will take place in Rabat, the same city where South Africa secured the 2022 Wafcon title by beating the hosts.

For Hlalele, that previous victory provides a source of encouragement before Saturday’s contest. She said Banyana Banyana should focus on returning to the style of football that has brought them success, while ensuring that the players operate as a united team.

Morocco will have home advantage again, but the occasion also gives South Africa the opportunity to recreate one of the most significant results in the team’s recent history.