Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has significantly narrowed down her squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they hope to defend their title in July. However, the squad notably omits star striker Thembi Kgatlana due to “personal reasons.”
Also absent from the trimmed squad is Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Kholosa Biyana, a player known for breaking down opposition attacks in central midfield.
Ellis, who famously led Banyana Banyana to their first WAFCON title in 2022, has cut her preliminary squad from 46 to 26 players. The larger initial squad was assembled to account for potential late injuries before the camp. Both Biyana and Kgatlana were part of this preliminary group, and Coach Ellis is expected to provide further details on their exclusion soon.
Kgatlana also missed the two friendly matches played recently. When Banyana Banyana won the 2022 tournament, the former Benfica striker was unavailable after suffering a foot injury during the group stage matches.
Despite Kgatlana’s absence in 2022, a new star emerged in Hilda Magaia. Known as “the Breadwinner,” she cemented her name by scoring two goals in the 2-0 final victory over Morocco. Jermaine Seoposenwe also contributed with crucial goals, while Linda Motlhalo orchestrated the attack, and Refiloe Jane anchored the central midfield. Bambanani Mbane was another standout performer, excelling in defense alongside Bongeka Gamede. Both Mbane and Gamede are part of the current squad heading to Morocco, which is good news for the team.
In a statement released on Sunday night, SAFA confirmed: “Hildah Magaia will also join the camp at a later stage as she is still undergoing medical assessments following the recent #ThreeNations Challenge in Pretoria featuring Banyana Banyana, Zambia and Botswana.”
The statement further clarified Kgatlana’s situation: “Thembi Kgatlana will not be part of the camp in Johannesburg and will also not be selected to the WAFCON-bound squad due to personal reasons.”
The final squad announcement is scheduled for 23 June 2025, in Johannesburg, with the team departing for Morocco shortly thereafter. The Sasol-sponsored African champions are placed in Group C and will kick off their WAFCON campaign against Ghana on Monday, 7 July, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda. Oujda will serve as South Africa’s base during the group stages.
Banyana Banyana will then face Tanzania on Friday, July 11, and conclude their group stage matches against Mali on Monday, 14 July.
The WAFCON tournament is set to be held in Morocco from 5 July 5 to 26 July.
The opening match will feature hosts Morocco against Zambia on Saturday, 5 July, at the newly built Olympic Stadium in Rabat.