Mbane urges focus as Banyana eye crucial WAFCON clash

BANYANA Banyana stalwart defender Bambanani Mbane has cautioned her teammates against underestimating their next opponents, the Twiga Stars of Tanzania, in Friday's Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group C fixture (kickoff 9pm).

- HERMAN GIBBS

In their opening group clash, Mbane spearheaded Banyana Banyana's WAFCON title defence on Monday with a “Player-of-the-Match’ performance as the South Africans defeated Ghana 2-0 at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.

When the teams return to the same venue on Friday, Banyana Banyana will be expected to overcome Tanzania, who are making only their second WAFCON appearance.

However, Mbane has stressed that they cannot afford to undermine the Twiga Stars and has urged her teammates to approach the match with the same mentality they showed against Ghana.

Having experienced the fierce competition within African women's football, Mbane emphasised the importance of maintaining a winning mindset.

"We can't take Tanzania lightly," she insisted.