Defending champions Banyana Banyana will adopt a fresh perspective at the 2025 WAFCON

Banyana Banyana will defend their WAFCON title but despite their standing, they will merely rank among the challengers at the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from 5-26 July, in Morocco.

While the team will look to build on their historic victory in 2022, the South African national women’s football team is entering the tournament with an eye on contention.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said, “We are there as defending champions. But more importantly, we are going there as a contender. Like everyone else. And what happened in the past is in the past; it’s a new tournament.”

This refreshing perspective underscores the team’s commitment to approach the tournament with a focused mindset, acknowledging the developments in the women’s game in countries across Africa.  Ellis emphasised the importance of taking it one step at a time.

“The game has evolved. Countries have evolved. They have put in investments. So we are going there as one of the contenders,” said Ellis, adding the team’s approach would remain consistent: “We’re going to take it day by day, like we did in the past. And game by game.”

This clear strategy reflects Ellis’s understanding of the tournament dynamics. She highlighted the crucial role of the opening match, stating: “The first game is the most important. In 2018 and 2022, the first game is the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.”

Ellis emphasised the need to manage player fatigue as the tournament progresses, hinting at a tactical rotation of players to maintain freshness during the latter stages.

“It (the opening match) also sets the tone for when we can rotate players and make sure that when it gets to the latter stages of the tournament, the players are fresh,” she said.

With its blend of experience and new talent, Banyana Banyana promises not just to be a force as defending champions but as a team determined to make their mark against an ever-evolving backdrop of women’s football in Africa.

Coach Desiree Ellis will announce the final squad of 21 players on Monday, alongside two additional players who will remain on standby.

Ellis praised the contributions of Jermaine Seoposenwe, who announced her intention to retire from the national team following the upcoming WAFCON. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Seoposenwe, acknowledging her significant impact on the team while also respecting her decision to step away.

In another notable absence, the renowned striker Thembi Kgatlana will not participate in the WAFCON squad due to “personal reasons”. Kgatlana, currently playing for Tigres UANL Femenil in the Mexico Women’s Premier League, has been a vital contributor to the success of the team over the years, making her exclusion a significant blow for Banyana Banyana.

The team departs for Morocco on Tuesday, 24 June. Banyana Banyana will play in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali.

Banyana Banyana’s provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad:

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

Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, 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, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana

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