Portia Modise on why Banyana Banyana are not on the right track

Former Banyana Banyana star Portia Modise has shared her verdict on the senior women’s team’s readiness for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions have lost three matches in a row. They suffered heavy 3-0, 6-0 and 4-1 to Brazil and Australia respectively.

BANYANA BANYANA STILL NEED TO WORK

“When we won the WAFCON [Women’s Africa Cup of Nations], people thought we were on the right track in terms of women’s football, but we not,” Modise told FARPost.

“They come back home, and they show you that we are not in a good space to compete on a big stage. What happened against Brazil? We expose ourselves showing we are not ready to go to the World Cup. Brazil showed us that we still have a long way to go. We still need to work.

“Then they say Australia, and it was worse. When I watch the match against Australia, I put myself in that picture. I remember being in the field, playing with giants of the game, people who are really prepared, really developed.”

Modise further believes the current squad is not gelling. “If we go back to the games against Australia and Brazil, our players were not enjoying the game, whilst the opposite team were enjoying the game.

“You can tell our players were tired. They’re pushing to finish the game, pushing to impress the coach. Australia were on the ball, the teamwork, how they defend and attack as a team.

“You look at our players. You can tell these players are struggling. It’s even hard for us after winning the ball to attack the opposite team,” Modise added.

For the World Cup, Banyana Banyana were placed in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina. The competition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, kicks off in July 2023.

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