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Banyana Banyana co-captain Amogelang Motau says the results they got during the recent CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 is a clear indication of a team in transition.
Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges managed a fourth-place finish after going down 3-4 on penalties to Ghana in the bronze medal battle after the two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 in regulation time at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday, 25 July 2025.
The South African senior women’s national team missed out on a spot in the final as they lost 1-2 to Nigeria in a game that saw Gabriela Salgado suffer an injury that will rule her out of football for the rest of the year. The composition of the South African team has changed from the side that lifted a maiden WAFCON trophy in 2022 and Motau says it’s time for younger players to step up to the plate.
“Being in camp and experiencing what has been going on, the girls did try to bounce back from it (injury), and we’ve been talking about it and saying that we needed to do it for her (Gabriela Salgado) and for Jermaine (Seoposenwe). But I think the way this tournament has gone is testament to where the team is. Again, we’re going through a transition, there are players who are retiring like Jermaine, and again, there are people who need to step up and take the positions of the players that have stepped up for this team for such a long time,” said Motau.
“But we must also remember that even the team who won it in 2022 were together for such a long time and I think with the players that are upcoming, we’re going to need time. I know that time is something we don’t have at the national team, but we’re going to need time to play together. I think that right now, the tournament went the way it went but again, we have an opportunity in March to show up. I think this tournament also showed us where we are and where the other teams are. This gives us time to prepare for the main ones so that we can qualify for the World Cup.”
The midfielder has called for patience while the new players are trying to find their feet.
Amogelang Motau of South Africa during the 2024 Womens Africa Cup of Nations South Africa Press Conference on the 13 July 2025 at Honneur Stadium in Oujda © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
“I’ll go back to the fact that it’s a transition, so you need time for different combinations so that we can establish the chemistry of the players that were able to qualify for the World Cup and play in the World Cup. These are the players that have been playing together for more than six years, and we are talking about the likes of Fifi (Refiloe Jane) and Linda (Motlhalo). When I came into the midfield I almost felt like I was so lost because the two of them had so much chemistry, but with time I’m also getting there. I think with the group of players that are here, we have shown that they have potential and they’re willing to get there. So, for me it’s just more games together and more camps together and I think things will come together, we just need to be patient,” added Motau.
Banyana Banyana departed Morocco on Sunday afternoon and are expected back home tonight (Monday).
Meanwhile, Nigeria were crowned the WAFCON 2024 Champions after they stunned hosts Morocco to lift their record 10th title. The Super Falcons came from two goals down to win 3-2 in a pulsating final played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
SOURCED FROM SAFA WEBSITE.