Banyana Banyana midfielder Noxolo Cesane has acknowledged the challenging road ahead as South Africa prepares to defend its crown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Saturday, July 5.
The reigning champions find themselves in a demanding Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. With the final set for July 26, South Africa’s squad is under no illusion about the task ahead as they aim to retain the title they clinched in 2022.
Speaking ahead of their opening match against Ghana, Cesane stressed the importance of staying focused on their own performance rather than worrying about their opponents.
“We are more focused on what we have to do on the day of the match against Ghana, and we are really working on it,” said the midfielder. “We are focused on ourselves and not on the other teams. We just have to make sure we do on the pitch what we train for.”
Cesane’s comments reflect a mature approach from a player who understands the pressures of tournament football. South Africa will be looking to build on the cohesion and fighting spirit that propelled them to continental glory in Morocco two years ago.
Yet, Cesane did not shy away from the reality that the African football landscape is evolving, with teams growing stronger and more competitive.
“Every day, every month and every season, the teams change, and it will be difficult,” she continued. “But we have to improve instead of looking at other teams, and we have to work hard to achieve our goals.”
Her remarks come at a time when Banyana Banyana are looking to put recent off-field issues behind them. A dispute over unpaid match bonuses briefly threatened to disrupt preparations, but the team has since turned its attention fully to the pitch.
Despite admitting that the journey has not been smooth, Cesane remains confident in the group’s ability to rise above the setbacks.
“So far we’re doing well, although we have some frustrations here and there, like mistakes on the pitch, and we have to correct them. It’s difficult, but we’re working hard,” she said.
South Africa, who lifted their first Women’s AFCON title in 2022 after finishing runners-up five times, will carry the weight of expectation into this year’s tournament.
With experienced figures such as captain Refiloe Jane and star striker Thembi Kgatlana likely to play key roles, Cesane’s words highlight a collective mindset grounded in resilience and preparation.
Their opening fixture against Ghana promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The Black Queens, who have undergone a period of transition and rebuilding, will be eager to upset the titleholders and assert their own credentials in the group.
For Banyana Banyana, the challenge lies not only in maintaining their dominance but also in adapting to new threats from rising teams across the continent. Cesane’s comments reflect a realistic but determined outlook — one that suggests the champions are ready to fight for every point.
With the tournament set to unfold over the next three weeks, South Africa’s path to retaining their title will demand both tactical precision and unwavering belief. For Cesane and her teammates, the focus is clear: take each match as it comes, stay united, and defend their crown with pride.
