Captain Refiloe Jane has issued an update on Banyana Banyana's readiness for their opening match of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place on Tuesday evening.
South Africa kick off the defence of their WAFCON title with a tricky group stage encounter against Ghana at the 35,000-seater Honneur Stadium.
The continental showpiece itself started off in thrilling fashion on Saturday as host nation Morocco held Zambia to a 2-2 draw at the newly built Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
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Desiree Ellis' charges defeated Morocco to win the title in the final of the 2022 edition and are hoping to go all the way once more, according to Jane.
"Finally, the tournament has started. We saw a very interesting game last night between Zambia and Morocco, and they kind of set the tone for the tournament," Jane told journalists at the pre-match press conference.
"Nobody could have thought it would go the way it did. But we are here now, we are preparing for our opening match.
"We are prepared, we have worked throughout the years and throughout the months to be here today. So, we are really happy and looking forward to the tournament and hoping we can achieve the objective we have set for ourselves, which is hopefully retaining he trophy.
"Obviously, the pressure is joint on the team as defending champions. Everyone coming into the tournament wants to win...
"So, even though the pressure is on us, I think it's on everyone because everyone wants to lift it.
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"The [new] trophy, it's a great trophy, and I hope South Africa can be the first to lift it," she went on.
Banyana are in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania and Mali. Jane will serve as captain alongside Amogelang Motau and Lebogang Ramalepe.
Kick-off is at 18:00 (SA time).
