Banyana Look to End Year Strong in Morocco Showdown
Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane believes their upcoming friendly against Morocco will be a crucial stepping stone for the team’s younger players as they build toward the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The squad jets off to Casablanca this evening, where they will meet the Atlas Lionesses on 2 December, officially beginning their preparations for the continental showpiece.
A Positive End to the Year
Speaking to SABC Sport, Jane stressed the importance of finishing 2025 on a strong note.
“It’s important for us to secure a positive result against Morocco — it would give the team a real confidence boost,” she said.
“It’s been a long year, and we want to close it with a solid performance. We have new faces and young players in the team, and we hope they can gain the experience needed to help this team progress.”
Facing One of Africa’s Best
Jane highlighted that Morocco, who have reached the last two WAFCON finals, present a valuable benchmark for Banyana’s growth.
“African football has evolved a lot, and many teams have raised their standards,” she explained. “Morocco is no exception — they’ve improved significantly, and we can’t underestimate them.
“For our new players, this is a chance to understand what it takes to compete at this level. If they can learn early and absorb as much as they can, the future of Banyana Banyana is in safe hands.”