In spite of the South African Football Association insisting that all is well within the Banyana Banyana team, well-placed sources maintain that this is not the case - which is worrying in the run-up to the team's major African assignment in just a few days.

The South African Football Association (Safa) has previously vehemently denied that members of Banyana Banyana's coaching staff do not see eye to eye. However, Daily Maverick sources within Banyana Banyana continue to insist that all is not well within South Africa's senior national women's soccer side.

On the back of the team's tour of Japan in June 2026, insiders in the Banyana Banyana camp told Daily Maverick that the rift among senior members of the coaching staff has intensified. The sources pointed the finger at assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli, as well strength and conditioning coach Ridhaa Allie.

During that visit to Japan, the South Africans played two matches. They were defeated 5-0 in the first game, while they fought back to win 1-0 in the second match. This was in preparation for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). The tournament will be played between 26 July and 16 August.

This Wafcon is extra crucial because it will also serve as a qualifier for 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup, which will take place in Brazil. The four teams that reach the Wafcon semifinals will secure direct qualification for the 10th edition of the World Cup.

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