Extra Time: African champions Banyana Banyana should be worried after losing four matches in a row following their historic 2023 World Cup run, writes Michael Madyira.

• Banyana Banyana have lost four friendly matches in a row after their successful 2023 World Cup campaign.

• The team missing seven key players during recent losses but must improve before defending their African title.

After making history at last year’s World Cup, Banyana Banyana are now struggling to find their form in 2024.

Our national women’s team shocked the world by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 2023. But coach Desiree Ellis’s team has hit a rough patch this year.

Their troubles began when Nigeria knocked them out of the race for the 2024 Olympics. While they managed to secure their place at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), things have only gone from bad to worse.

The team has now lost four major friendly matches in a row. For a side that was defeating top teams just last year, these losses are concerning.

Denmark thrashed them 5-0, followed by a 2-1 defeat to European champions England in October. Last week, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz won 3-0, then beat Banyana again 3-2 on Tuesday morning.

This poor run comes as Banyana prepare to defend their African title at Wafcon in July 2025.

The team was missing key players during these matches, particularly against Jamaica. Stars like Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, Refiloe Jane, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Noko Matlou, Bambabani Mbane and Karabo Dhlamini were unavailable.

Despite these setbacks, the defeats still cast a shadow over Africa’s champions. Ellis and her team must end this losing streak, even though they face a seemingly easy Wafcon group with Tanzania, Mali and Ghana.

Pictured above: Banyana Banyana players Linda Motlhalo, Antonia Maponya and Noxolo Cesane against Jamaica.

Source: Banyana Banyana