South Africa’s Banyana Banyana captain, Refiloe Jane, has expressed her disappointment after the team failed to secure a podium finish at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ending the tournament in fourth place.
The reigning champions were edged out by Ghana in the third-place playoff on Friday, losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe found the back of the net during the shootout, but Sibulele Holweni and Hilda Magaia had their efforts denied by Ghana’s goalkeeper, Cynthia Fiindid Konlan.
It marked the first time in three WAFCON editions that South Africa missed out on a medal. The team claimed silver in 2018 and lifted the trophy in 2022.
“Obviously, we are disappointed to be going home empty-handed,” Jane told the SAFA website. “Throughout the tournament it wasn’t an easy one for the players, and there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch. But we tried to put in a great performance, we tried to do our level best, and we tried to retain the trophy as the main objective.”
Despite the setback, Jane, who featured in all six of South Africa’s matches during the tournament, emphasized the importance of building towards the future.
“But going home now there’s a lot of work still to be done and we’re hoping that come the next WAFCON, which is very important, it’s a World Cup qualifying tournament, we hope that we can do well. But firstly we need to do well in the qualifiers,” she added.
The experienced midfielder acknowledged the team is undergoing a transitional phase, with new faces and shifts within the squad.
“Given the situation within camp, given the players that we had and a lot of transition that was taking place in the team, we’re hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from this tournament and build on that,” Jane said.
Friday’s clash against Ghana also marked the end of an era for veteran forward Jermaine Seoposenwe, who bid farewell to international football after earning 112 caps.
Seoposenwe had announced her retirement plans before the tournament began.
Jane paid tribute to her long-time teammate, reflecting on the legacy she leaves behind.
“Jermaine has been a key figure in the national team from when she was a teenager to now calling retirement. We know how much contribution she has given to the team on and off the pitch, she leaves a great legacy, one to be followed by upcoming teenagers or upcoming players who look up to her. So we are hoping that a lot of lessons can be taken from the type of person and player that she is,” said Jane.
The Banyana Banyana squad is scheduled to return to South Africa on Monday evening.
