Gloria “Sweet 16” Hlalele believes Banyana Banyana can draw on their 2022 success when they face hosts Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in Rabat on Saturday.
South Africa defeated Morocco in the Moroccan capital three years ago to win the tournament, and Hlalele says the similarities between the two occasions should inspire the defending champions.
“We beat Morocco in Rabat in 2022 to win Wafcon, and they were the hosts,” she said. “They are the hosts even now, and we are meeting them on Saturday, so lightning must strike the same place twice. Banyana Banyana just need to play their usual entertaining football.”
Hlalele, who made her breakthrough in local football at the age of 16, said Banyana Banyana must approach the quarter-final as a collective. She entered the game during a period when women footballers faced suspicion and resistance, but went on to become one of South Africa’s pioneering figures in the sport.
The former player from Tembisa competed in men’s football in the 1980s and was involved in founding Banyana Banyana in 1993. Her contribution has since seen her recognised as a trailblazer in South African football.
Despite her confidence in the squad’s ability, Hlalele admitted she has been concerned by some of the defending champions’ performances at the tournament.
“ They seem to be struggling, and you get nervous when watching them play, and that is not what one wants to see, especially when you know their capabilities.
“I give them 100% in their work rate; [and] you need more white players because of their high work rate remember even in the PSL, we had the likes of Jingles Perreira, Andy Karajinsky and Phillip Venter, who worked very hard.”
Hlalele said South Africa’s effort levels had been one of the more encouraging aspects of their displays, but believes greater cohesion will be required against Morocco, particularly with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Her reference to the 2022 final underlines the significance of Saturday’s meeting. Morocco will again have home advantage, just as they did when Banyana Banyana lifted the trophy in Rabat, but Hlalele expects South Africa to reproduce the style that helped them claim that title.
She called on the team to remain united and return to the entertaining football associated with Banyana Banyana as they attempt to overcome the hosts and continue their title defence.
The match will take place in Rabat on Saturday.
The report was published by Sowetan. An audio version of the story was generated using artificial intelligence.
