Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has lauded departing forward Jermaine Seoposenwe.
The Mexico-based player recently announced her retirement from the national team after the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which will take place in Morocco next month (5-26 July 2025).
Seoposenwe has been an ever-present for the South African Senior Women’s national team for a decade and a half. She has been to three World Cup tournaments – 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Trinidad and Tobago); 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (France) and the most recent 2023 FIFA World Cup (Australia and New Zealand).
The Capetonian has also played in the Olympic Games (Rio 2016) and has won several COSAFA Cup titles.
She goes into the upcoming tournament with the African Champion tag after she won the Banyana after lifting the continental title in 2022
“Jermaine has been a fantastic servant, whenever Jermaine needed to step up, she stepped up and 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,” added Dr Ellis.
Meanwhile 25 of the 28 players named in the Sasol-sponsored Banyana for the preliminary squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have reported for national team duty.
The South Africans have assembled for a training camp for the tournament set to take place from 5-26 July 2025 in Morocco.
Only Jermaine Seoposenwe (Mexico), Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (DR Congo) and Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) are yet to arrive.
There has been one change in the initial squad of 28 players with Michelle Sampson from the University of Fort Hare being withdrawn as she was not feeling well and her place taken by Bongiwe Thusi of JVW.
The final team going to North Africa will be named on Monday, 23 June.
“We haven’t had any conversations yet it’s still a selection camp, just had conversations with players coming into camp, asking them how they are doing, what their expectations are. 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,” said Dr Ellis.
Banyana have been drawn in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania and Mali.
The South Africans will head to Morocco on Tuesday, 24 June.
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
By Matlhomola Morake
