24 October 2025 – Banyana Banyana have picked up the tempo ahead of their return Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against DR Congo at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
The camp was buzzing with energy today as the team held its first training session with the entire squad present, marking an important moment in the build-up to the second leg WAFCON qualifier against DR Congo.
This was the first full training session with the addition of the team’s overseas-based stars Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, Sinoxolo Cesane, and Amogelang Motau, all of whom rejoined the squad after club commitments abroad. Their arrival brings both experience and energy to the camp as South Africa look to secure their place at WAFCON 2026, following a hard-fought 1–1 draw in Kinshasa.
With the full group now assembled, two players, Regina Mogolola and Thato Mofolo, have been placed on standby. The technical team will now focus on fine-tuning tactical details and building cohesion among the returning players and those who featured in the first leg.
Coach Thinasonke Mbuli expressed her satisfaction with the group’s readiness and outlined the plan for the days leading up to matchday. “We are happy now that everyone is in camp. Today is our start-up with everyone in training, and from tomorrow we’ll start focusing on our tactics. The good thing is we have three days to prepare for the match,” said Mbuli.
“Having the full team available has boosted morale within the camp. Thembi Kgatlana, one of South Africa’s most decorated players, spoke about her excitement to be back in national colours and her determination to help the team finish the job at home.
“It’s amazing, always an honour to come back and represent the country. I’m in good spirits and I’m healthy,” she said with a smile after training.
There was also a sense of inspiration from the younger members of the squad, including 17-year-old rising talent, Bonolo Mokoma, who reflected on what it means to be part of Banyana Banyana at such an early stage of her career.
“Making the Banyana Banyana team at the age of 17 is a huge opportunity for me because there are a lot of young girls dreaming to be in my position, and here I am at the age of 17,” she said.
With all focus now shifting toward the second leg, the team will spend the coming days working on tactical organization to ensure they’re at their sharpest on matchday. Having secured an away goal in Kinshasa, Banyana Banyana go into the return fixture with confidence but are under no illusions about the challenge ahead against a DRC side that has shown resilience throughout the qualifiers.
The match on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, promises to be a thrilling encounter as South Africa aim to seal qualification for WAFCON 2026 and continue building momentum on home soil.
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