Mbane urges focus as Banyana eye crucial WAFCON clash against Tanzania
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Banyana Banyana veteran Bambanani Mbane has urged her teammates to show the same focus against Tanzania as they did in their WAFCON opener against Ghana. Photo: Backpagepic
Image: Backpagepix
Banyana Banyana stalwart defender Bambanani Mbane has cautioned her teammates against underestimating their next opponents, the Twiga Stars of Tanzania, in Friday's Women's Africa Cuo of Nations Group C fixture (kick-off 9pm).
In their opening group clash, Mbane spearheaded Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON title defence on Monday with a ‘Player of the Match’ performance as the South Africans defeated Ghana 2-0 at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
When the teams return to the same venue on Friday, Banyana Banyana will be expected to overcome Tanzania, who are making only their second WAFCON appearance. However, Mbane has stressed that they cannot afford to undermine the Twiga Stars and has urged her teammates to approach the match with the same mentality they showed against Ghana.
Having experienced the fierce competition within African women’s football, Mbane emphasised the importance of maintaining a winning mindset.
"We can't take Tanzania lightly," she insisted.
"They may be considered less fancied, but they have their strengths. We must approach this match with the same intensity and respect we had against Ghana."
Banyana Banyana are aiming for a strong tournament showing, and will be aware that Tanzania’s women’s football has shown notable growth in recent months. The Twiga Stars boast a youthful side eager to prove themselves on the continental stage.
Mbane’s cautionary message serves as a reminder that past success does not guarantee smooth progress in sport; every match requires focus and determination.
"We've prepared well, and our training sessions reflect our commitment to getting the desired result," Mbane noted. "We respect every opponent, and that respect starts with the understanding they are capable of causing an upset."
The clash against Tanzania promises to be pivotal for Banyana Banyana’s aspirations in the tournament. If they can continue to demonstrate both skill and composure, they should dominate the fixture.
Over the last 18 months, Banyana Banyana have faced Tanzania twice during Olympic qualifiers, winning both encounters — 2-0 away and 1-0 at home. However, Mbane remains unfazed by past results.
“This is a new game, and it's a tournament; anything is possible,” she remarked. “We’re not talking about what happened before — we’re talking about now.”
The sweltering heat has posed an additional challenge, as Banyana Banyana adapt from South Africa’s winter to Morocco’s midsummer conditions, highlighted by their match against Ghana played in a scorching 34°C.
Nonetheless, Mbane praised the team’s winning mentality.
“That will take us far in the tournament. Even when we might have obstacles — if we can overcome the heat, we can achieve a lot,” she noted.
“The only objective we had against Ghana was to win. Our mentality was right in that we wanted to win, and we were playing without underestimating anyone.”
The seasoned defender, now 35 and representing Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, is confident the team’s title defence remains on track.
Banyana Banyana’s Group C campaign will conclude with a match against Mali, set for Monday at Honneur Stadium.