Desiree Ellis and her Banyana Banyana charges start their defence of their WAFCON title on Monday against Ghana at 6pm. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Banyana Banyana return to Morocco this month with their WAFCON crown on the line and the weight of a nation behind them.
The 2022 champions, who finally lifted the continental title after years of near-misses, begin their title defence with a slightly new-look squad — and without their talisman Thembi Kgatlana, who misses the tournament due to injury.
Despite that blow, Desiree Ellis’ side remains packed with experience, depth and quality. Here are five things we want to see from Banyana in their 2025 WAFCON campaign:
Tournament football can be unforgiving, and slow starts often prove costly. In 2022, Banyana beat Nigeria in their opener — a victory that set the tone.
With familiar conditions in Morocco and a tough group once again, Ellis’ charges must hit the ground running and set the standard early in the group stages.
Without Thembi Kgatlana’s explosive pace and big-game influence, there’s a major gap to fill in attack. It’s now up to players like Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, and captain Refiloe Jane to drive the team forward.
Magaia in particular, who scored the winner in the 2022 final, will need to take on more responsibility in the final third.
Banyana have shown they can win ugly — but moments of panic have crept in during previous tournaments, especially in tight knockout matches.
Whether it’s closing out a narrow lead or staying composed under pressure, better decision-making and composure will be critical. This is where the leadership core must come to the fore.
Desiree Ellis has introduced fresh faces to the squad, and this WAFCON is the perfect stage for someone like Sinoxolo Cesane, Amogelang Motau, or 21 year old Ronell Donnellyto announce themselves.
With squad rotation expected in the group stages, Banyana will need their young talent to bring energy, hunger, and a bit of unpredictability.
Banyana are no longer chasing respect — they are defending champions. To remind the rest of the continent who’s boss, a dominant victory against a big name like Nigeria or Cameroon would send the right message. It’s not just about results — it’s about showing the confidence and control of a team that knows it belongs at the top.
There may be no Kgatlana magic this time, but Banyana still carry the heart of champions. With Ellis at the helm and a battle-hardened core, South Africa’s queens are determined to go back-to-back — and make another historic statement.
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