Sports Desk Reporter
Banyana Banyana have arrived in Morocco and are stepping up preparations for their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence.
The reigning African champions touched down in Casablanca on Sunday. They have already completed two training sessions as they adjust to the conditions ahead of their Group D opener.
The team is adapting to the warmer weather after leaving behind a cold South Africa. Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis says the players have settled in well so far.
“It was a long trip, but we’ve had two sessions now trying to acclimatise to the heat as we are coming from a cold South Africa,” said Coach Ellis.
“Fortunately, for now, it’s not as hot as it was last year. We had really good sessions, and now we are looking forward to the rest of the week,” she added.
The squad has now been boosted by the arrival of overseas-based stars Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau, Bongeka Gamede and Linda Motlhalo.
Kgatlana and Gamede have already joined training, while Motau and Motlhalo are expected to take part in their first session on Wednesday.
Ellis says the focus is on ensuring every player understands the team’s plans before the tournament begins.
“It’s very exciting to have them. We have sat down with them to show them what we did last week and to continue with preparations,” she added.
“Of course, it’s a couple of days to go, and we need to make sure that everybody understands what it is that we need to do.”
The return of Robyn Moodaly-Salgado has also added experience to the squad. The midfielder, who was part of the 2022 WAFCON winning team, is back with Banyana Banyana after last featuring for the national side in 2023.
Moodaly-Salgado says she is excited to return and hopes to help the team achieve more success.
“Obviously I haven’t been here for a while, so I am really excited to be back wearing national team colours,” said Moodaly-Salgado.
“It’s super exciting being back, being welcomed again and playing the game with old teammates and just being back in the WAFCON setup. I am really looking forward to it.”
She added: “I’m ecstatic- new expectations, new goals, new year. We want to qualify for the World Cup, and we want to bring it home again.”
Banyana Banyana begin their WAFCON campaign on Monday, 27 July against Tanzania.
They will also face Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the group stages as they chase another continental title and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.