Following the release of the 24-member squad for the competition, Banyana Banyana’s path to defending the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Cup (Wafcon) title is beginning to take shape.
On Monday, coach Desiree Ellis announced the squad at the SABC’s TV studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, concluding Banyana’s preparations for the competition scheduled for July 5 to 26 in Morocco.
With Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania in Group C, the South African senior women’s team will be missing deadly striker Thembi Kgatlana, who is not in the squad for personal reasons.
Banyana will play their first game on July 7 against Ghana, then Tanzania on July 11 and Mali on July 14 to finish their group stage matches.
Seoposenwe’s last outing for Banyana
Ellis has faced additional challenges after Jermaine Seoposenwe announced her retirement from the national team following the Wafcon.
Seoposenwe will be playing for the last time in Banyana’s colours at the tournament, following her shocking retirement from international football.
The announcement of the team follows successful international friendly matches two weeks ago against Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana, which raised the players’ spirits.
Banyana’s full squad for the Wafcon:
Goalkeepers:
Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, and Casey Gordon;
Defenders:
Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, and Lonathemba Mhlongo;
Midfielders:
Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, and Noxolo Cesane;
Forwards:
Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, and Ronnel Donnely.
The Morocco tournament was postponed to this year due to a conflict with the Paris Olympics.
Six stadiums to host Wafcon
In 2022, Banyana braved the intimidating crowd under a vibrant atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to beat Morocco 2-1 in the final match to lift the continental title.
Six venues will host this year’s competition, including the Barbie Zaouli and Pere Jego stadiums in Casablanca.
The other venues are Olympia Stadium in Rabat, El Bachir Stadium (Mohammedia), Honor Stadium (Oujda), and Berkane Stadium (Berkane).
