Banyana Banyana have named their final squad for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) (5-26 July 2025). Coach Desiree Ellis is banking on experienced players for the title defence.
The announcement came after days of speculation. Most of the squad had already been training together during the recent pre-tournament camp.
Key Absences Confirmed
The biggest talking point following Monday’s announcement was the absence of Thembi Kgatlana. The Tigres UANL striker, who also missed most of the 2022 WAFCON, was excluded due to personal reasons. While her absence is notable, it had been anticipated after she skipped the final preparation camp.
Another major name missing is Noko Matlou, the 2008 African Women’s Footballer of the Year. Matlou has since retired from international soccer. With both her and Kgatlana out, this year’s squad is without two of South Africa’s most iconic players.
Despite these absences, Banyana Banyana still boast a team packed with experience and quality. The 26-player squad features most of the 2022 WAFCON-winning core.
Familiar Faces Remain Central
Of the 11 players who started the 2022 WAFCON final against Morocco, nine have made the current squad. Nomvula Kgoale and Matlou are the only two not returning. Desiree Ellis has clearly opted to stick with players who have delivered on the continental stage before.
The two players dropped from the 28-woman training group are Shakira O’Malley and Bongiwe Thusi. Both were part of the camp held from 19–22 June. Their omission comes as no surprise given the stiff competition for places.
This tournament could signal the end of an era. Several veterans are approaching the twilight of their international careers. Their inclusion offers continuity but also a sense of finality. A transition to a younger generation may follow this campaign.
Players Based Abroad Add Depth
Six members of the squad ply their trade outside South Africa. Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland), and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (TP Mazembe) add a European touch to the team. In North America, goalkeeper Casey Gordon provides further international experience.
Mexico-based trio Jermaine Seoposenwe (CF Monterrey), Hildah Magaia (Club Tijuana), and Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana) are all key members. Seoposenwe has already hinted this may be her final tournament in national colours. Magaia and Motau are expected to support the attacking output in Kgatlana’s absence.
Captain Refiloe Jane, a seasoned midfielder, returns to lead the side. Jane is now playing her soccer in South Africa with TS Galaxy, having previously featured for AC Milan and Sassuolo.
Mamelodi Sundowns Lead Local Representation
Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning queens of South African club soccer, dominate the squad list. Eight of their players have made the final cut. These include experienced names like goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and defender Bambanani Mbane.
Also selected from Sundowns are Lebohang Ramalepe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Noxolo Cesane, Nthabiseng Majiya, and Karabo Dhlamini. This reflects Sundowns’ ongoing dominance in local women’s soccer competitions.
The combination of Sundowns’ core and overseas-based stars gives Ellis a well-balanced team. Experience, tactical versatility, and depth are all covered in this 26-player list.
Group C Fixtures and Tournament Format
South Africa is in Group C for the WAFCON, which kicks off on 5 July in Morocco. They will open their campaign against Ghana on 7 July. Next, they will face Tanzania on 11 July, followed by Mali on 14 July.
The top two teams from each of the three groups will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals. In addition, the two best third-placed teams will also progress. Given their quality, Banyana Banyana are favourites to make it out of the group.
However, the overall competition has grown stronger. Rivals like Zambia have recalled star striker Barbra Banda, who was controversially left out of the previous edition. Nigeria, Morocco, and Cameroon will also be tough opponents as the tournament progresses.
Can Banyana Banyana Defend Their Title?
South Africa’s squad may be slightly older than in previous years. Yet, the experience gained from winning WAFCON 2022 and reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup is priceless. Coach Ellis hopes her players can produce one more magical run.
The absence of Thembi Kgatlana is a blow. But Banyana Banyana have won before without her, as was the case in the 2022 final. With solid preparation and team chemistry, they could do it again.
Fans and punters alike are already placing their predictions for the tournament. Online sports betting enthusiasts would be advised to keep an eye on this title defence. The stakes are high, and South Africa’s title defence promises to be one of the key storylines.
Banyana Banyana WAFCON 2024 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, Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders:
Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane (captain), Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Forwards:
Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely.
