Banyana Banyana to fight for brand new Women's Africa Cup of Nations trophy launched by CAF - 'A celebration of equality, unity, and excellence'

Ahead of Banyana Banyana's CAF African Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence, the governing body of African football launched a revamped trophy design in Morocco this week.

The trophy was redesigned with 'equality, unity & excellence ' in mind and to more closely resemble the men's AFCON trophy.

In a statement released on CAFOnline, the organisation described the redesign:

"The trophy’s striking design features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team. Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty.

"This imagery captures the journey of African women’s football and the vibrant strength of its athletes.

"Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football. Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

"Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

"The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport."

A launch video poses the question: "Every frame teases a question: who will own this glory? 🏆"

Banyana are looking to retain their title in this edition of WAFCON, having won their first-ever continental title at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final.

They find themselves going into the tournament with less than ideal preparations after going on strike at training to force a settlement of outstanding dues from SAFA and missing star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who was left out of the squad for 'personal reasons'.

Banyana, the WAFCON defending champions, are in Group C and will face Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. Their opening match will see them battle the Black Starlets of Ghana on July 7 before playing Mali on July 11.

Mzansi will conclude group matches with a showdown against Mali on July 14.

Currently, Desiree Ellis' charges are in Casablanca for their pre-tournament camp and will later head to Oudja, where the group matches will be hosted.