Banyana Banyana - The African Mirror

Feb

2024

Former Banyana Banyana captain scores major first at AFCON 2023

AFCON 2023

AT the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), there has been a distinct female voice in the commentary box. For those who don't know, it's the voice of Amanda Dlamini, the former South African football national team captain and the first woman to commentate a game at the men’s AFCON. In yet another major score for women at this tournament, Dlamini’s mastery of her craft, including deep analysis of the action and a good understating of the game, tactics and players, have shown that on all levels, women’s inclusion in the men’s game was not only long overdue but also…

Jul

2023

By The African Mirror

South Africa FA resolve dispute with Women’s World Cup squad

FOOTBALL

THE South Africa Football Association (SAFA) said a pay dispute with its Women's World Cup squad had been resolved after a charity stepped in with a "humble donation". The team, known by their nickname 'Banyana Banyana', had been due to face Botswana in a friendly on Sunday as a send-off to the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. But with the squad locked in a dispute with SAFA over bonus payments and contracts for the showpiece event, a shadow national side including a 13-year-old took the field instead. SAFA said an amicable resolution had been reached following a donation from the Motsepe…

Jul

2022

By The African Mirror

South Africa defeat Nigeria in WAFCON opener

SPORT

SOUTH Africa got off to a flying start following a 2-1 win over nine-time record African champions Nigeria in their first Group C encounter at the ongoing 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Desiree Ellis’ outfit scored twice in two minutes thanks to Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia goals in the 60th and 62nd minutes to destabilize their opponents, who were caught off-guard by the quick firing South Africans. Banyana Banyana made their intentions clear right from kickoff, pushing forward with Thembi Kgatlana and Seoposenwe asking the right questions and building momentum, which explained the 61% ball possession they registered at the end of the game.…

Jul

2021

By The African Mirror

Banyana Banyana Ace joins Athletico Madrid

SPORT

FORWARD sensation Thembi Kgatlana has officially become an Atlético de Madrid Femenino player. The Spanish giants announced the two-year signing of the 25-year old South African from rival team SD Eibar after a successful 2020/21 season. While playing for Eibar, she excelled for the team, scoring 10 goals in 21 games, which led to Atlético Madrid securing her signature. #BienvenidaKgatlana 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/qOAzCr3Ilk— At. Madrid Femenino (@AtletiFemenino) July 6, 2021 The 2018 CAF African Woman Footballer of the Year’s international football career involves time spent in the United States for Houston Dash, in China for Beijing BG Phoenix and in Portugal…

Nov

2020

By The African Mirror

South African women’s team defends COSAFA title – sets new record

SPORT

BOITUMELO RANTAO SOUTH Africa’s Banyana Banyana went undefeated to clinch the COSAFA Cup for a record seventh time, defeating Botswana 2-1 in Port Elizabeth. The hosts were seeking to end their tournament on a high as winger Gabriela Salgado set up Sibulele Holweni to open the scoring early for Desiree Ellis' team, with her eighth goal of the tournament after just two minutes. Salgado herself added her name to the final’s score sheet, making the score 2-0 in the 66th minute to double her team’s lead. Botswana’s Thanda Makgabo fought back in the last five minutes, blasting the ball past…

Jul

2020

By The African Mirror

Banyana Banyana star Thembi Kgatlana moves to Spain

SPORT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER SOUTH African star forward Thembi Kgatlana has joined Spanish La Liga Iberdrola team SD Eibar from Portuguese outfit SL Benfica. Kgatlana, the Banyana Banyana striker, joins Iberdrola for the duration of the 2020-2021 season. The 24-year-old established herself after scoring South Africa’s first Women’s World Cup goal in France in 2019. She joins Eibar on a free transfer after a short spell in Portugal. Following her debut for Benfica on 1 February 2020, she made three appearances and scored three goals. The 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations top scorer and player of the tournament is coming…