Desiree Ellis names squad for WAFCON 2025 as Banyana Banyana aim to defend title

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a 26-player squad for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be hosted in Morocco next month.

The defending champions head into the tournament with a balanced squad built on continuity, experience, and emerging local talent, as they aim to retain the continental crown they famously lifted in 2022.

The absence of star striker Thembi Kgatlana has dominated headlines in the lead-up to the final squad announcement, but Ellis believes her side has enough quality to soldier on without her.

“When we won the tournament in 2022, we played without her due to injury and the players stepped up,” said Ellis.

“We have played with Thembi a lot of times after that — against the likes of Denmark and in other friendlies—so we’ve proven not to be a team heavily reliant on one player.”

Banyana will be the team to beat at the showpiece event, as they attempt to retain the title in the mould of champions past. However, Ellis was quick to downplay any sense of entitlement.

“As much as we’re the defending champions, I’ve been reminding everyone that we are also just contenders like every other team at the start of the tournament, so we can’t take anything for granted.”

Eight players from Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, South Africa’s leading women’s club, have been included in the final squad. These are goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, defenders Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini and Lebohang Ramalepe, midfielders Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Tiisetso Makhubela and Nthabiseng Majiya, and attacker Andisiwe Dlamini—highlighting the club’s continued influence on the national team’s core.

Captain Refiloe Jane, now plying her trade at TS Galaxy, will once again lead the side, supported by overseas-based stars Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Hildah Magaia and Amogelang Motau (both of Club Tijuana, Mexico), and Jermaine Seoposenwe (CF Monterrey, Mexico).

Banyana have retained several key players from their previous WAFCON-winning squad, including Kaylin Swart and Gabriela Salgado (both of JVW FC), Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland, Denmark), and Noxolo Cesane.

Ellis has also maintained faith in the university pipeline, selecting players from the University of the Western Cape — such as Sibulele Holweni, Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mhlongo and Ronnel Donnelly — as well as Adrienne Mibe from the University of Johannesburg.

The depth and versatility across all positions signal South Africa’s readiness to compete at the highest level once again. With a group made up of experienced internationals, domestic stalwarts and exciting prospects, Ellis and her technical team will aim to guide Banyana through a challenging tournament with the goal of defending their title.

The final phase of preparation will be wrapped up in North Africa as South Africa jet off to compete against the continent’s best.

Banyana Banyana WAFCON squad

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

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

Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane

Forwards: Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely

On stand-by: Casey Gordon and Nthabiseng Majiya