South Africans are being encouraged to throw their full support behind Banyana Banyana as the senior women’s national football team prepares to face hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday evening, 8 August 2026.
Kick-off is scheduled for 10pm (South African time), with the winner securing a place in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa called on the nation to unite behind the reigning African champions, praising the team’s determination and achievements throughout the competition.
“Government encourages all South Africans to unite behind the team and celebrate how far they have come. Their courage, determination and resilience have inspired the nation and demonstrated that South Africa can compete with the very best on the global stage,” said Mnukwa.
She urged supporters to proudly wear Banyana Banyana jerseys, South African national colours or other symbols of support, whether at home, at work or in public spaces, to show solidarity with the national team.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe also appealed to South Africans to rally behind the team as they prepare for one of their biggest tests of the tournament.
Banyana Banyana secured their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0in Casablanca, keeping alive their hopes of reclaiming the continental title.
The team’s victory has also drawn praise from Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile, who congratulated the players on what he described as a hard-fought and deserved win.
“The team deserved this victory after an outstanding performance and an impressive display of grit and resilience. It marks a strong comeback after their opening loss and subsequent draw against Ivory Coast. Banyana clearly used the time to reflect and returned determined to win and stay in the competition,” Maile said.
He added that the squad had demonstrated the qualities of former champions determined to reclaim their crown.
“We continue to urge all South Africans to rally behind the team and give them unwavering support as they prepare for the next stages of the competition. With the determination they are displaying, we are confident they can go all the way to the finals,” he said.
South Africans will be hoping the team’s fighting spirit and resilience will carry them one step closer to another WAFCON title.
