Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has called on all South Africans to rally behind Banyana Banyana as they prepare to face Morocco in a crucial quarter-final match at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday.
The senior women's national team booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night.
Congratulating the team on Wednesday, Mabe said their qualification was a powerful demonstration of resilience and determination following a challenging start to the tournament.
"The job is not finished. We have reached the knockout stages, and now we look ahead to the quarter-finals with confidence and determination. I wish the players, the technical team, and the entire squad every success in the next match," the Deputy Minister said.
The Deputy Minister wished the team every success in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.
Banyana Banyana have been training in Rabat ahead of the quarter-final clash against Morocco.
According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), the 2026 edition of WAFCON also serves as a FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier, with only the top four teams securing qualification for the tournament in Brazil.
"Banyana Banyana have shown once again that South Africa never gives up. They faced a difficult group-stage campaign, but they continued to fight, believe in themselves, and represent our country with pride.
"This is a remarkable achievement for Banyana Banyana and for South African football. The players understood exactly what was at stake, and they responded with determination and courage when it mattered most," Mabe said in a statement.
She also congratulated Head Coach Desiree Ellis, the technical team, the players, and the support staff for their collective contribution to guiding the team to the knockout stages of the competition.
The Deputy Minister said the team's achievement should inspire young girls across South Africa who look up to Banyana Banyana as role models.
"Banyana Banyana continue to demonstrate that resilience, discipline, and hard work can take you to the highest levels of the game. We are immensely proud of this team, and we will continue to support them as they take on the next challenge," she said. -SAnews.gov.za
