Banyana Banyana Ready To Defend WAFCON Title, Says Confident Jane
Banyana Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane is confident the team is prepared to launch their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defense. They kick off their campaign against Ghana at Honneur Stadium on Monday (18:00), aiming to retain the coveted trophy.
Banyana have been waiting for three years to defend the trophy, with this tournament pushed forward due to the Olympic Games in France last year taking the calendar space.
“Well, finally, the tournament has started. We saw a very interesting game between Zambia and the host, Morocco, and they’ve kind of set the tone for the tournament. Nobody could have thought it was going to go the way it did. But we’re here now, we’re also preparing for our opening tomorrow,” said Jane.
“We’re prepared, we’ve worked throughout the years and throughout the months to be here today. So, we’re really happy and looking forward to the tournament and hoping that we can achieve our objectives that we’ve set for ourselves.”
When asked what those goals they have set for themselves, Jane responded: “Which is hopefully returning the trophy.”
The captain feels pressured as the title defenders, however, hopes that South Africa can be the first country to lift the new trophy that was unveiled on Wednesday.
“Obviously the pressure is on the team as defending champions,” Jane said.
“So, everyone coming into the tournament wants to win the tournament, and it’s no different for us. Even though the pressure is on us, I think it’s on everyone because everyone wants to lift it.”
She further commented: “The trophy is beautiful, and I hope South Africa can be the first one to lay their hands on it. Luckily, we have to keep the one that we have from the previous edition, but the new trophy it’s a beautiful one and we’re grateful for it.”
Jane has been recalled to the Banyana squad after she sustained a 10-month injury that sidelined her from Banyana Banyana during the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers against Nigeria in April 2024.
The former AC Milan midfielder has reflected on the difficulties she faced during the injury healing process but also saw it as an opportunity that allowed her to spend time with her family.
“Being away from playing the game wasn’t an easy moment for me,” said Jane.
“So much happened through the injury, and how it happened and the management of it wasn’t an exciting one.
“It was a very painful experience, but I’m lucky to have spent time with my family. You know, when you play overseas or when you play international football, we’re always away from home.
“But the injury gave me a different perspective, it gave me more time with family. I was able to attend more events, and I was part of the family tree. Kind of like see how my life would be if I were away from football or if I were to stop playing football.
“So not everything was bad about it. I was able to kind of plan my life going forward, and I’m also grateful who helped me come back to the field.
“It wasn’t easy, it took a lot of mental work, it took a lot of courage, a lot of commitment and so many times I thought maybe I would never come back or never be where I am today but everyone has supported me, has helped to be where I am today and I’m very grateful. I can never take that for granted.”
