Banyana Banyana squad officially announced as title defence journey begins

 South Africa's Women's national team Head Coach Dr. Desiree Ellis today announced the final squad that will represent the country at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), taking place from 5 to 26 July 2025. The reigning champions will travel to North Africa with a refreshed line-up full of rising talent and first-time call-ups, reflecting a generational shift in the team.

As anticipated, star forward Thembi Kgatlana is not included in the squad, having been ruled out earlier due to injury. Her absence will be felt, but the focus now turns to the next generation of players tasked with carrying the nation’s hopes.

Two players who were initially part of the preliminary group—Michelle Sampson from the University of Fort Hare and Shakira O’Malley of Western Michigan University (USA)—have also been released from the squad following the final selection.

Tasked with defending their historic 2022 title, the team will be doing so with a refreshed and youthful squad, featuring several university students and new faces who’ve stepped up in the Hollywoodbets Super League this season. While many of the stalwarts remain, the 2025 squad marks a generational shift—nine players who were part of the 2022 title-winning side have not been included this time around.

Among those absent from the travelling squad are goalkeeper Casey Gordon of JVW FC and forward Nthabiseng Majiya of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who have been placed on standby and will remain in South Africa to continue training in case they are needed.

Speaking at the squad announcement, Head Coach Dr. Desiree Ellis explained the rationale behind their exclusion:

On Nthabiseng Majiya:

“When you look at what she [Majiya] produced for us at the previous WAFCON we thought she would take a kickstart from there and go up, but there's other players that have been really good in the league this season and they have really stepped up in the league this season.

"We looked at the mix of who we are going to need, when and how we are going to utilise them and I think the others fit more at the time. We know what she's capable of, and they'll obviously be busy training because we never know what can happen and they are still part of the 26 but unfortunately they are not travelling with us.

"We’ve reiterated to them to stay ready because anything can happen.”

On Casey Gordon:

“The requirement is three goalkeepers. We are also going for a little bit more experience. Casey has shown over the last couple of camps that she has huge potential and maybe not ready right now but we just needed a little bit more experience in that department and that’s a department that’s always neglected. We just went for a little bit more experience in terms of goalkeeping.”

Despite not boarding the flight to Morocco, both players remain crucial components of the extended squad and have been instructed to stay ready and in shape, should any injuries or changes arise during the course of the tournament.

Banyana Banyana will kick off their Group C campaign against Ghana on 7 July, followed by matches against Tanzania (11 July) and Mali (14 July ). The final will be played on 26 July in Rabat at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.