Swart ready to keep it clean for Banyana in Wafcon defence

BANYANA Banyana are set to embark on another historic journey as they prepare to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

With just days to go before their opening fixture, Desiree Ellis’s side will be looking to build on a remarkable run of recent success. Having claimed their first-ever WAFCON title in 2022 — beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final — Banyana have transformed into one of the continent's most formidable teams.

That historic triumph was followed by another milestone in 2023, when they became the first South African senior national side, men or women, to reach the last 16 of a Fifa World Cup. They bowed out after a hard-fought 2-0 defeat to The Netherlands at the 2023 Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Their return to Morocco for this year’s continental showpiece presents another chance to add to their growing legacy.

They will begin their title defence against Ghana next Monday, a match-up that marks the start of what promises to be another compelling campaign.