Wafcon title defence begins without some 2022 heroes

As Banyana Banyana prepare to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) crown in Morocco from 5 to 26 July, the recently announced 28-player preliminary squad by head coach Desiree Ellis is turning heads — not only for the fresh talent included but for the absence of several seasoned champions from the side that lifted the trophy in 2022.

South Africa, who clinched their first-ever Wafcon title in Casablanca three years ago, will enter the 2025 edition as defending champions. However, a number of experienced players who played key roles in that historic triumph have been left out of this year’s setup, signaling a possible changing of the guard.

Among the most notable omissions is Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa’s star forward currently playing international football with Tigres in Mexico.

She is joined on the sidelines by fellow 2022 squad members including defenders like Janine van Wyk and Noko Matlou, who have since retired from international football, and midfielders Nomvula Kgoale, Thalea Smidt, Kholosa Biyana, and Robyn Moodaly.

Forwards Melinda Kgadiete and Kgatlana — both of whom were central in the last Wafcon campaign — are also not part of the new roster.

Thinasonke Mbuli on UWC's Rising National Footprint

Among the 28 players selected, four hail from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) — one player (Unathi Simayile) from UWC was dropped from the 46 players that were called up at the beginning of June. This is a major achievement for the university’s program and its coaching staff, including Head Coach and Banyana Banyana Assistant Coach, Thinasonke Mbuli.

UWC: A Beacon of Emerging Talent

For Thinasonke Mbuli, head coach of UWC and assistant coach of Banyana Banyana, the call-ups are a landmark achievement. “Firstly, credit must go to the player’s for consistently working hard, their effort and commitment, this is just the reward for what they do,” Mbuli remarked.

“For the team it means there’s something right we are doing that’s helping the players grow. Our vision is to produce players that can go play and compete internationally.”

Among the selected four are Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Sibulele Holwenii, and Ronnel Donnelly. The inclusion of Ronnel, a first-time member of the national team setup, marks a strong representation from the university’s football program.

Mbuli emphasizes that platforms like Varsity Football and the Hollywoodbets Super League are proving instrumental in bridging the gap between tertiary-level football and the international stage.

“We are extremely happy for them, especially Ronnel- first time being on the preliminary list - Unathi received a call up earlier this year, plus she has played in the Cosafa tournament before, Lona, Sibulele and Fikile have been part of the core group for Banyana,” she explained.

“Varsity Football tournament has been the bridge between university football and the senior national team, a few players in the national team set up were scouted in the Varsity Football tournament. The Hollywoodbets Super League is growing and it's getting tougher every season, players are getting better season by season, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done to improve the league.”

Eyes on Morocco

Despite the high-profile exclusions, the mood in camp remains optimistic. Mbuli is realistic about the competition her players will face for a place in the final squad: “There [were] 46 players on the preliminary list, but only 21 can make the final squad. All we can do is support them and hope they make the cut.”

Her belief in UWC’s contributions to Banyana Banyana's future is unwavering. “I’ve been saying this for years now, I think we are blessed. We have a group of talented players.

"We scouted very good players. With proper training, and being exposed to different competitions they are improving every season, and that has helped them be attractive to the national team selectors.”

A Legacy to Defend

As the countdown to Wafcon 2025 begins, South Africa's squad looks different — leaner in experience but rich in ambition. Whether the new group can replicate the glory of 2022 remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that a new generation of stars is rising — one built on domestic development, university structures, and visionary coaching.

Full List of 2022 Champions Missing from the 2025 Squad

Goalkeeper:

Regirl Ngobeni

Defenders:

Janine van Wyk

Noko Matlou

Midfielders:

Nomvula Kgoale

Thalea Smidt

Kholosa Biyana

Robyn Moodaly

Forwards:

Melinda Kgadiete

Thembi Kgatlana