African champions Banyana Banyana have assembled for their final training camp ahead of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to be played in Morocco from 5-26 July 2025.
All but three players have reported for national team duty with the remaining trio of Jermaine Seoposenwe (Mexico), Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (DR Congo) and Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) expected in the next few days.
Bongiwe Thusi has been called up as a replacement for Michelle Sampson, who withdrew as she was not feeling well. South African senior women’s national team coach Dr Desiree Ellis will on Monday, 23 June 2025 announce the final 21 players that are heading to Morocco, with a further two placed on standby.
“We haven’t had any conversations yet, it’s still a selection camp and we just had conversations with players coming into camp, asking them how they are doing, what their expectations are,” Dr Ellis said. “Some are somewhat nervous, some are very excited, but we wanted to make them feel welcome because there are places to fight for.
“We are looking at taking a versatile squad like we’ve done in the past. So, we’re trying to look at players these next couple of days in as many positions as we know they can play and how they can add value to the team.”
The four-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year also touched on the recent announcement made by Banyana Banyana goal poacher Seoposenwe that she will retire from the Sasol-sponsored national team after the WAFCON.
“Jermaine has been a fantastic servant, and whenever she has needed to step up, she stepped up and the 2022 WAFCON was that because she hadn’t played for us for more than a year due to visa issues. I just want to say to Jermaine ‘thank you for the service that you’ve given.’ I don’t think we can thank her enough for what she’s done, but when a player makes a decision, then you have to respect that. I’ve had conversations with Jermaine, so it wasn’t a surprise for me, but I have to respect the decision.”
The African champions are expected to depart for Morocco on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
The WAFCON defending champions are in Group C and they were drawn against Ghana, Tanzania and Mali.
Banyana Banyana Provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad:
GOALKEEPERS:
Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon
DEFENDERS:
Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede,
MIDFIELDERS
Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
FORWARDS:
Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely
SOURCED FROM SAFA WEBSITE.