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Phewa Calls for Greater Responsibility from Overseas Stars

Banyana Banyana began their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the wrong foot with a shocking 2-1 defeat in their Group B opener against Tanzania. The Sformer African champions managed to secure a point in a 2-2 draw against a highly motivated Côte d'Ivoire in the second Group B fixture on Friday night before narrowly clinching 1-0 in their must win fixture against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

Veronica Phewa

Former South African international Veronica Phewa weighed in on the performance of the team and said the girls didn't perform to the nation's expectations. The former Indiana FC left winger says losing for the first time to Tanzania in a tournament of this magnitude added salt to the wound. 

The Soweto-born star says that performance did not inspire confidence. “They didn't play well. I would rather not say much. But that was not a performance that could get us results. Losing to Tanzania for the first time ever in the WAFCON is one thing, but losing playing in that manner doesn't sit well with most of us.” Said Phewa.

Though the veteran is not happy with Banyana's performance in the opening two games, she still has confidence that the 2022 African Champions can bounce back against Côte d'Ivoire on Friday evening. Côte d'Ivoire went into the Friday evening game in high spirits after demolishing Burkina Faso 4-1 in the other Group B match. 

'Vero' spent 16 years donning the green and gold of Banyana Banyana and remains one of the household names in women's football. She has come close to winning the continental title on several occasions. The former left-footed dribbler says senior players had to step up and carry the team against Les Éléphantes. With three of Banyana Banyana's stars—Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, and Amogelang Motau—playing their trade abroad, with Hilda Magaia, who just returned from the Spanish side Liga F club Deportivo de La Coruña, having to carry the team and give the country some hope heading into their final group match against Burkina Faso. 

Phewa says the match against Côte d'Ivoire was the test of character, and Banyana Banyana stars showed up and proved to the country what they can offer.

“We needed to focus and play our football. But, we let ourselves down in the first half. Conceding those goals made the second half a bit tougher, as we were chasing the game. We have players who play their football overseas. They had to show us what they've got.” Said Phewa.


Writer: Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

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