As Banyana Banyana prepares to face Zambia and Botswana in the upcoming Three Nations Series, a crucial part of their preparations for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July, we caught up with University of Johannesburg (UJ) Women’s Football Head Coach, Nthabeleng Modiko. With one of her players called up to the national squad, Coach Modiko shares her thoughts on what she hopes to see from Banyana during this window, the lessons young players can take away, and the broader role WAFCON plays in preparing national teams for the international stage.
Speaking ahead of the series, Modiko emphasized the importance of using these games to sharpen key aspects of Banyana Banyana’s play. From a local coaching perspective, she believes the national team is heading in the right direction but says there is still room for growth—particularly in giving young players international experience.
“I think the process or the progress that Banyana Banyana has made especially in the last year and a half has been one that is agreeable to what coach Desiree is speaking towards in ensuring that leisure longevity is there, the succession plan is there in terms of having those quality players that can be able to come improve Banyana Banyana and be able to also take their claim especially looking at the age factor of the squad,” she explained.
“You would want to have younger energetic players but also players that also have experience and I think with the preceding camps that she has had, the games that she has had which was just to help the girls have that international experience and also mixing it with seasoned experienced campaigners within the squad that helps.”
Coach Dunga also emphasised the supreme role and impact of playing abroad, she said, “I think the one [thing] that I would maybe [like to] see more of is more players coming from our League but also not only coming from our league into the national team but also leaving the shores to go overseas and actually getting that bigger and better experience.”
She made examples of players that have ploughed the field internationally and their significant experience in the team, “You've got a Refiloe Jane that is coming from injury but she's still on top of her game, she will be able to provide that leadership. You have Jermaine Seoposenwe who is able to lead our frontline if Thembi Kgatlana is not available, but there are other players that are also able to jump in and help there in front. I think so far so good. I'm looking at the squad that Coach Desiree has selected right now for the Tri-Nation camp [and] it’s a good mix of experienced players as well as younger players that possibly could be coming in for the future.”
For Modiko, who has one of her own players called up to the national squad, the series is also a learning opportunity for those watching from the sidelines—particularly her younger players. She’s adamant that watching Banyana compete on an international stage can be just as valuable as training sessions.
“To have one of our young ones in the squad [Adrielle Mibe] I am very proud of her, not just her alone but all the other players from UJ and everyone that has managed to engage with me especially when it comes to the national team. I've always said to her every time she gets a call up into the national team, the first thing that you need to be able to look out for is to be able to have a learning attitude attitude or a coachable attitude. You're not in there because you're a star but you’re in there because you fit into the kind of a game plan or squad plan that the national team has seen,” she said.
“Yes you are talented and you are good for your club but when it comes to national team and international experience you probably are lacking. As a young player I would say to everybody that's in that squad as youngsters try and see what the the regular players have been doing, try and be in there to learn and try to be in there and exert yourself or apply yourself in such a way that there is a future with you.”
She added, “You don't want to get in there and break or fall apart or become a different player from what you were when selected. Watching Banyana Banyana always gives us pride and joy especially when they're doing well, even us as coaches, like myself you tend to learn from what the national team coaches are doing, how they are applying their skills, their etiquette as well as their managerial abilities in terms of managing such big personalities in one room.”
As the conversation turned toward Banyana Banyana’s upcoming fixtures, Modiko's tone became both proud and hopeful. She offered heartfelt words of support to the players and coaching staff, urging them to embrace the moment and continue inspiring the next generation.
“Just a little from my side is to say all of the best to Coach Desiree and all her technical staff as well as the team in terms of getting themselves ready. I know WAFCON is a big event for us as a nation, as a footballing nation we definitely want to be able to defend it and become back-to-back Champions.I think we did very well in the previous one and there's bigger and better.”
“We have seen [how WAFCON] has prepared us to get into the World Cup stages and now as the defending champions you would want to return there and be able to defend it. All of the best and the whole country including myself we are really, really backing the team, we will be there chanting as fans, go Banyana!.” Said Coach Dunga.
All matches will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium
in Atteridgeville, Pretoria with kick-off scheduled for 15h00. Tickets are available via Ticketpro, priced at R40 for adults and R20 for children.
Fixtures:
South Africa vs. Botswana: Wednesday 28 May 2025.
South Africa vs. Zambia: Tuesday, 02 June 2025.
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