Captain Refiloe Jane of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana expressed disappointment regarding their fourth-place finish in the CAF Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024. The team lost to Ghana in a penalty shootout, finishing 4-3 after a 1-1 draw in regular time on Friday. While Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe successfully scored their penalties, Sibulele Holweni and Hilda Magaia had theirs saved by Ghana’s goalkeeper, Cynthia Fiindid Konlan. This marks the first time in three editions of the tournament that Banyana Banyana did not secure a podium finish. In 2018, they won a silver medal, and then they secured gold in 2022. “Clearly, we are upset to be returning home without any medals,” Jame was reported saying on the SAFA website. The players faced numerous difficulties during the tournament, both on the field and outside of it. “We aimed to deliver an outstanding performance, giving it our all while seeking to defend the trophy as our primary goal. However, as we head home, there is still much work ahead of us. We are looking forward to the next WAFCON, which is crucial as it serves as a qualifying tournament for the World Cup, and we hope to perform well there.” “First, we have to perform well in the qualifiers,” stated Jane, who participated in all six matches of the tournament. The midfielder noted that the team is currently undergoing a transition and is likely to see many changes. “Considering the dynamics within the camp and the players we had, along with the significant transitions in the team, we hope to take many positives from this tournament and build upon them,” Jane continued. The match against Ghana for the third and fourth playoff marked Seoposenwe’s final appearance for the national team after 112 caps. She announced her retirement just before the WAFCON, and Jane praised her greatly. “Jermaine has been an essential part of the national team since her teenage years up to her retirement now.” Her contributions to the team, both on the field and off, have been significant. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy for young players and teenagers who admire her. “We hope to learn many lessons from the kind of person and player she is,” stated Jane. The Banyana Banyana team is anticipated to return to South Africa on Monday night.
