Gamede: Banyana close to being ready for Wafcon defence

BONGEKA Gamede is confident that Banyana Banyana will be ready to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title after a perfect Tri-Nations series.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Banyana were crowned champions of the series after beating Botswana 3-2 in the opener and Zambia 2-0 in the final game. While the results confirmed them as the best team in the mini-tournament, they were not at their best and had to dig deep in both matches.

They nearly squandered a 3-0 halftime lead against Botswana and had to leave it late to secure the win over Zambia at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

As such, it took standout individual performances to get them across the line. Jermaine Seoposenwe scored a brace in the opener and the winner in the final match. Gamede also made her mark, scoring a stunning goal from a direct set-piece against the Copper Queens, underlining her versatility as a defender-cum-midfielder.