Banyana depart for Morocco after Ellis announces WAFCON squad – South African Football Association

24 June 2025 – Banyana Banyana departed for Morocco on Tuesday afternoon, a day after coach Dr Desiree Ellis announced the team going to the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The tournament takes place from 5-26 July 2025 in the North African country. From the initial preliminary list of 28 players, two have been left out – Shakira O’Malley and Bongiwe Thusi.

As per the CAF tournament regulations, the remaining 26 have been registered for the tournament but the technical team of the Sasol-sponsored squad will announce the final 21 players closer to the start of the competition. The new regulations allow for changes to the teams, in the case of injury, even if the tournament has already started.

“We tried to get the mix right. It’s another opportunity for these new players to step up. You can also say we’re in a bit of a transition period and over the years, we’ve dealt well with that, where we brought in new, younger players. It’s never about age, we look at the league and see who’s performing,” said Dr Ellis.

“Some are new, and some are not new to international football. Some of them went to the CAF Champions League and some played in the U-17 National team. Yes, it’s a different type of experience, but they’ve tasted international football.”

The South Africans will spend the next two days day travelling and are expected to continue with preparations for the competition later this week.

Jermaine Seoposenwe, who has announced her retirement from the national team after the WAFCON, will together with Kgaelebane Mohlakoana join the African Champions in Morocco.

Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Brand and Sponsorship: “We would like to congratulate the players selected to represent Banyana Banyana at the upcoming WAFCON tournament. As you step onto the continental stage to defend your title, know that you do so with a nation behind you and with Sasol as the energy behind your passion. We are proud to stand with you as you continue to break boundaries and Live the Impossible.”

Banyana Banyana will kickstart the defence of their title against Ghana in 14 days’ time (Monday, 7 July 2025). This will be followed by the clash against Tanzania on Friday, 11 July with Mali last on the list in the group stages on Monday, 14 July.

All the games will be played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda.

Ellis has named Refiloe Jane, Lebohang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau as the co-captains of the squad during the tournament.

GOALKEEPERS:
Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon

DEFENDERS:
Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede,

MIDFIELDERS
Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana

FORWARDS:
Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely

South African Football: Many clubs have youth academies aimed at developing local talent.