Former Banyana Banyana star Portia Modise has expressed her disappointment with the team’s opening performance at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Banyana suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening match, dealing a blow to their hopes of defending the title they won in 2022.
Despite the disappointing result, Modise believes there is one positive. The result has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing women’s football in South Africa.
“It was painful to watch Banyana Banyana. I’m not proud of how they played,” said Modise.
“But I’m happy that everyone is now talking about the state of women’s football.
“It’s time we stop pretending that women’s football is growing when, in reality, it is going backwards.”
She said the game would only improve if women’s football received greater support and recognition.
“I’m not saying it must be treated exactly the same as men’s football, but at least give us 40% of the attention so players can proudly represent the country.”
Modise also believes senior players based overseas need to play a bigger role in helping the team.
However, she insisted the players should not shoulder all the blame.
According to Modise, the biggest problem lies in poor preparation and the lack of support from those in charge.
“People always blame the players, but the problem starts at the top. I’ve been saying this for years, but people ignored me. If they had listened earlier, this situation could have been avoided,” she concluded.

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