Bambanani ‘Juice’ Mbane has expressed her delight to be among the final 23-woman squad of Banyana Banyana participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which starts next week in Australia and New Zealand.
The Eastern Cape-born defender was one of six Sundowns Ladies who made the final cut ahead of the most prestigious women’s football tournament.
“Being selected from a pool of talented players to represent the nation is truly a privilege. It fills me with humility to be entrusted with this opportunity ahead of the prestigious FIFA World Cup. I fully understand the significance of this moment and do not take it for granted. I eagerly anticipate the chance to proudly represent my country as we go up against several formidable women’s teams from around the world,” Mbane stated.
Bambanani also acknowledged Mamelodi Sundowns for her overall development and growth as a player.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has played a crucial role in shaping my journey. The club has provided me with invaluable opportunities to compete in numerous competitions, truly establishing itself as a home of champions. With big expectations and demanding standards, the club has exposed me to high-pressure situations, which in turn has prepared me for the world stage. The training regimen and the mindset fostered at the club have significantly contributed to my development as a player,” said the hard-tackling Banyana Banyana defender.
Having already featured in a game against China during the previous World Cup in France, Mbane is now determined to leave her mark and play a vital role in helping her team excel in the upcoming tournament Down Under.
“My ultimate aspiration is to make a significant contribution to the team’s success in reaching the knockout stage and leave a lasting impression. The extraordinary performance of Morocco in the FIFA Men’s World Cup last year has been a true inspiration for me, and I am wholeheartedly motivated by their achievements. As reigning African champions, we are filled with immense pride and unwavering determination as we prepare to represent our continent at the highest level in Australia and New Zealand,” Juice concluded.
Bambanani played a pivotal role as a key member of the South African team that accomplished a historic milestone by clinching their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last year. Furthermore, her exceptional performance led to her inclusion in the tournament’s Best XI. The rock-solid defender was also an integral member of the treble-winning squad with Sundowns Ladies in 2021.
We extend our best wishes to Bamba and the entire Banyana Banyana side ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
