Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a 23-player squad for South Africa’s upcoming back-to-back international friendly matches against Japan next month, as preparations for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) gather momentum.
The reigning African champions will face Japan in two away fixtures, with the first match set for Saturday, 6 June at Nagai Ballgame Field, followed by the second encounter on Tuesday, 9 June at J-Green Sakai in Osaka.
The matches are part of South Africa’s continued build-up to the rescheduled WAFCON tournament in Morocco, which will take place from 25 July to 16 August.
The squad sees the return of key overseas-based players Thembi Kgatlana and Bongeka Gamede, both of whom missed the recent Algeria camp due to injury setbacks. Their inclusion is expected to boost the team’s attacking and defensive depth as Banyana test themselves against top-ranked opposition.
However, the team will be without Lebohang Ramalepe, who is currently focused on academic commitments and is writing exams. In addition, Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, and Shakira O’Malley were not selected as they continue recovering from injuries.
Speaking on her selection, Dr Ellis acknowledged the challenges of player availability but welcomed the return of several key figures.
“It is unfortunate to have those players not available but it’s also good to see the return of Thembi and Bongeka, as well as Isabella and Asanda who were with us during the COSAFA camp in February,” said Ellis.
She added that the current period remains crucial for monitoring player performance and building cohesion ahead of major tournaments.
“It’s been kind of difficult to look at and select players outside the two previous camps (COSAFA and Algeria), so I am really grateful that the league is starting with the kind of format that it has as it will give us a great chance to monitor and assess players in one place.”
The fixtures against Japan come off the back of two encouraging wins over Algeria, with Banyana continuing to fine-tune their squad as they aim to defend their continental crown in Morocco later this year.
Banyana Banyana Final Squad – WAFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula
Defenders:
Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo
Midfielders:
Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane
Forwards:
Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely
Standby (Non-travelling):
Casey Gordon, Nthabiseng Majiya
