Refiloe Jane Hints at Internal Challenges After Banyana Banyana’s Disappointing WAFCON Campaign

Banyana Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane has shed light on possible internal struggles that may have contributed to South Africa’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The defending champions leave Morocco empty-handed, failing to secure even a Bronze medal after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Ghana in the third-place playoff.

South Africa’s tournament came to a disappointing end on Friday evening, following their earlier semi-final exit at the hands of Nigeria. For a team that lifted the trophy in 2022, the fourth-place finish has sparked concern and raised questions about what went wrong behind the scenes.

Jane, one of the team’s most experienced and respected voices, hinted at a turbulent campaign, both on and off the field.
“Throughout the tournament, it wasn’t an easy one for the players; there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch,” she told SAFA media. “We tried to put in a great performance, we tried to do our level best, and we tried to retain the trophy as the main objective.”

Her comments come amid growing speculation of disunity within the camp. The absence of star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who declined her call-up citing “personal reasons,” raised eyebrows before the tournament even began. Additionally, Jermaine Seoposenwe shocked many by announcing her retirement from international football at just 31, calling it the best decision for her wellbeing.

Adding to the storm, the squad had reportedly clashed with the South African Football Association (SAFA) over unpaid allowances dating back to April, fuelling tensions ahead of the tournament.

Despite the internal issues, Jane remained composed and reflective.
“It’s a disappointing one, to sum up the tournament — going home without a medal. But given the situation within the camp, given the players that we had, a lot of transition was taking place in the team. We are hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from the tournament.”

Banyana’s campaign was marked by flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency and cohesion that saw them conquer the continent two years ago. The transitional phase Jane referred to may suggest a generational shift in the squad, with younger players being blooded for the future.

As the team returns home, the focus will now shift to rebuilding and regaining the unity and momentum that made them African champions. Whether the issues raised behind the scenes will be addressed remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Banyana Banyana’s road to redemption will require more than just tactical adjustments — it will demand transparency, support, and strong leadership both on and off the field.