Having won their first WAFCON game, Banyana Banyana have been given a massive stamp of approval by an individual who has given heart and soul for the women's game.
Despite off-field administrative issues, South Africa managed to beat Ghana 2-0 in their group opener of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
READ | 'We always said if...' - How Banyana took down Black Queens
Next up is Tanzania, who sit bottom of the standings after losing their own opener to Mali, with the match scheduled for Friday (21:00).
The last group fixture for Desiree Ellis' charges will be against Mali on Monday.
"I think it was a great start. To win your first game it so important, it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament," notes Fran Hilton-Smith.
"It was a very good game with a lot of variation and tactics. A good performance, and I'm happy for them for starting on the right foot.
"They can go all the way if they carry on performing like that. I was hoping that Tanzania and Mali would draw. But now Tanzania would have to win their next game. It's gonna be tough.
"Knowing the Banyana players ,their focus now is on trying to retain the title. They are mature enough, they have to prioritise, and doing well is now the priority.
"There’s no reason they can't win this WAFCON, they've won it before against the odds, and the ball is round," she adds.
READ | Banyana sink Ghana in WAFCON opener
Hilton-Smith points out to a big incentive for Banyana going all the way in the continental tournament taking place in Morocco until July 26.
"What is the big incentive now for the whole team? It is the money. R18 million is a good reason to win.
"Having watched all the other teams play, I think Banyana has a very good chance. As long as we keep performing the way we did in this first game."
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images