USA-based defender Shakira O’Malley is hoping she will be part of the selected squad of 21 that will be tasked with defending the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s trophy at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) next month.
The former U17 and U20 Women’s National team player is among the 46 names announced in the preliminary squad for the continental title.
Head coach Desiree Ellis will release the final team on Monday, 23 June 2025.
“Definitely a dream to play in the WAFCON, working hard to get there. I am just doing my best and learning from everybody and will go into camp with a positive mindset, removing whatever pressure there is and just doing what I need to do to get the job done and some more,” said O’Malley.
Currently playing for the Western Michigan University, the tall defender returned to the national team set-up in November/December last year where she made her Banyana debut in the international friendly matches against Jamaica away.
She was recalled recently for the Three Nations Challenge which involved South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
“I think things have been going well, it’s definitely different coming in as a new young player trying to adapt to a style of play and how things are done, but I think I’ve done well I’ve adapted well. I am still trying to figure some things out and just giving my best in every training session because that’s all I can control at the end of the day, so yeah, it’s been good so far,” added O’Malley.
“I think just coming in and being part of the past couple of camps so far has been good I’ve been able to learn from the more experienced centre backs in the team as well so hopefully just going forward I can continue learning from them and earn regular spot in the team.”
The 22-year-old is also focused on her studies in the USA and recently celebrated her success – a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance (a specialized business degree that focuses on financial management, investment strategies, and market analysis).
“I graduated with a BBA in Finance and I’m looking at transferring schools and pursuing an MBA either in Finance or sports management. I haven’t quite decided yet, so right now I’m looking at schools and I was just offered a full ride at another school – at the moment I am just figuring that out and deciding what’s the next step,” said O’Malley.
The Capetonian is currently at home in the Mother City getting ready to rejoin the final Banyana training camp where Ellis will take the players through their paces before selecting the squad to represent the country in North Africa.
The WAFCON runs from 5-26 July.
South Africa is in Group B alongside Ghana, Tanzania and Mali.
By Matlhomola Morake
