Hilton-Smith to Banyana: No one remembers the runner-up

FRAN Hilton-Smith agrees with Ricky Whittle that “no one remembers the runner-up” and says Banyana Banyana must bring the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy back home from Morocco.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

South Africa’s senior women’s national team begin the defence of their title with a clash against Ghana on Monday evening (kickoff 6pm) in Rabat, and Hilton-Smith a pioneer and legend of the women’s game not only in this country but across the continent insists second best is not going to be good enough.

“We want to win it and we have to win it,” she said of the 16-nation, biennial continental competition, which kicked off at the weekend with hosts Morocco drawing 2-2 with Zambia.

“But it is probably going to be the toughest (tournament) yet because, take Morocco for instance they are going to go all out as the hosts again, having come close last time around (the Atlas Lionesses were beaten finalists in 2022). Nigeria have won it nine times and are looking for a tenth title.”

Even so, Hilton-Smith believes Banyana are good enough to hold on to their crown.

“Not winning is not going to be great. That's why all of us - the country, the coach and the team are aiming to win.