Banyana Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane has hinted at internal challenges within the national team camp as one of the reasons behind the underwhelming showing at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Banyana are set to return to South African soil empty-handed after falling to clinch a consolation Bronze medal as they lost to Ghana in a penalty shootout on Friday evening.
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Prior to that, they had been knocked out of the cup competition by Nigeria in the semi-final stage. For their high standards, it was a less-than-impressive showing from the defending champions.
The build-up to the campaign was marred by whispers of unease within the camp. Further questions are still out about the absence of star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who opted against being called up for the tournament due to 'personal reasons'.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Seoposenwe announced that that continental showpiece would be her last in a Banyana shirt at just 31 years old, insisting that it was the best decision for her wellbeing.
Perhaps unlinked, these events were preceded by a dispute between the national team players and SAFA due to unpaid monies dating as far back as April.
"We are disappointed to be going home empty-handed," Jane told SAFA media ahead of Banyana's return to South Africa.
"Throughout the tournament, it wasn’t an easy one for the players; there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch.
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"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."
"It's a disappointing one, to sum up the tournament; going home without a medal.
"But given the situation within the camp, given the players that we had, a lot of transition was taking place in the team. We are hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from the tournament."
Photo: Gallo Sport/Seyi Victor
