{"id":34938,"date":"2026-07-22T10:37:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T10:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=34938"},"modified":"2026-07-22T10:37:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T10:37:56","slug":"mama-joy-sends-off-banyana-banyanas-goals4pads-with-inspiring-spirit-ahead-of-wafcon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/mama-joy-sends-off-banyana-banyanas-goals4pads-with-inspiring-spirit-ahead-of-wafcon\/","title":{"rendered":"Mama Joy Sends Off Banyana Banyana’s Goals4Pads with Inspiring Spirit Ahead of WAFCON"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Football enthusiast<\/span> <\/a><\/span>Mama Joy Chauke<\/strong><\/a><\/span> hosted an energetic farewell for <\/span>Banyana Banyana<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <\/a><\/span>at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday as the defending<\/span> <\/a><\/span>Women\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <\/a><\/span>champions prepared for their trip to Morocco.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dressed in her trademark South African colours, adorned with face paint and vibrant beaded decorations, Mama Joy energized the crowd with songs, dances, and chants as Banyana Banyana got ready to set off for the 2026 Women\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As a supporter of the reigning African champions, the country\u2019s most famous superfan urged South Africans to unite behind the national team.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur focus is now 100% on Banyana Banyana,\u201d<\/em><\/span> she stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve done it before, and they can do it again. To qualify for the FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup they\u2019ll have to fight even harder, but we believe in them. They\u2019ll show Africa once again why South Africa belongs among the continent\u2019s best.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The spirited send-off also celebrated the launch of Goals 4 Pads, a partnership between SAFA and Stayfree. For each goal scored by Banyana Banyana during the tournament, 1,000 packs of sanitary pads will be donated to schools, football academies, and community organizations across South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n

SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao explained that this initiative goes beyond mere sponsorship; it represents an investment in the future of girls\u2019 football.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, this is about removing barriers. Many young girls cannot afford sanitary pads. Some stay away from football because of it, while others are unable to perform at their best. Through this partnership, we\u2019re creating opportunities for more girls to stay in the game and chase their dreams,\u201d<\/em><\/span> she commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stayfree Brand Manager Zamashandu Mbatha supported this view, stating that the brand’s collaboration with Banyana Banyana is driven by a meaningful purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWomen\u2019s football remains underfunded, and we wanted to invest where it truly matters. Banyana Banyana represent resilience, excellence and hope for young girls across South Africa, making them the perfect partners for this campaign,\u201d<\/em><\/span> she noted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Midfielder Noxolo Cesane recognized the challenges ahead but is confident in the team\u2019s readiness to compete.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a tough tournament because every team is going there to compete. We\u2019ve prepared well, and the most important thing now is staying mentally strong,\u201d<\/em><\/span> she explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Banyana Banyana travel to Morocco with the aim of defending their continental title and attaining qualification for the next <\/span>FIFA <\/strong><\/span>Women\u2019s World Cup, their mission transcends the sport: they intend to use each goal to empower more girls to stay in school, engage in sports, and pursue their aspirations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n