Banyana Banyana will be without influential forward Thembi Kgatlana for the upcoming two international friendly matches against Botswana and Zambia in preparation of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off in July.
Kgatlana was not named in the squad of 24 players announced by head coach Desiree Ellis on Friday, 16 May 2025.
The Randfontein-born player has club commitments as she will be involved in the new CONCACAF W Champions Cup for her employers in Mexico.
UANL Tigres Femenil will face Thorns FC from the USA in the one semi-final on Thursday, 22 May and will feature either in the final or the third-place play-off three days later (Sunday, 25 May 2025).
Other than being crowned the women’s club in the CONCACAF region, the winners will also earn a place in the new FIFA Women’s Champions Cup which kicks off in 2026. They will also qualify for the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup which starts in two years later (2028).
“Thembi is not in the squad due to club commitments. She has two matches shortly before the start of our training camp – and after the league season as well as some games in the play-offs, not forgetting the travelling, we felt it would be too much, especially now that we are heading to the tournament. She will join us after the two games against Botswana and Zambia,” said Ellis.
Training camp for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana starts on Monday, 26 May in Johannesburg with the friendly matches scheduled for Wednesday, 28 May against Botswana and Tuesday, 3 June against Zambia.
From the group that was called up for the Malawi matches, Ellis has left out Lonathemba Mhlongo, Samkelisiwe Selana, Mavis Maiacane, Kgatlana and Cesane, while the duo of Noko Matlou and Nompumelelo Nyandeni have hung up their boots.
Also missing out for the clashes against Botswana and Zambia, among others, is the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies duo of Nthabiseng Majiya and Kholosa Biyana.
“We are keeping out options open, this is not the final squad, you still have time to select players. Those feeling left out must keep on working, there are just under 50 days left to the tournament. It is important that we cover all the bases and look at all the players we intend looking at before making the final selection,” added Ellis.
Making a return to the Banyana Banyana squad after a long lay-off due to injury is the experience trio of captain Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane and Karabo Dhlamini. They are also joined by the duo of Regina Mogolola and Michelle Sampson, who get a recall after a long time.
There is also a first-time call-up for Rennika Khoza from the University of Fort Hare – the only uncapped players in the squad.
CentreCircle.online has learnt that defender Tiisetso Makhubela may have to be replaced after suffering an injury midweek in a practice match.
Banyana Banyana squad vs Botswana & Zambia:
Goalkeepers:
Kaylin SWART, Casey GORDON (both JVW FC), Andile DLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Jessica WILLIAMS (University of Cape Town)
Defenders:
Lebohang RAMALEPE, Tiisetso MAKHUBELA, Bambanani MBANE, Karabo DHLAMINI (all Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Fikile MAGAMA, (UWC Ladies), Gabriela SALGADO (JVW FC), Shakira O’MALLEY (Western Michigan University, USA)
Midfielders:
Refiloe JANE (TS Galaxy Queens) Bongeka GAMEDE (Nordsjælland, Denmark), Linda MOTLHALO (Glasgow City, Scotland), Nonhlanhla MTHANDI (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Amogelang MOTAU (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Regina MOGOLOLA (JVW FC)
Forwards:
Rennika KHOZA (University of Fort Hare), Adrielle MIBE (UJ Ladies), Hildah MAGAIA (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Jermaine SEOPOSENWE (CF Monterrey, Mexico), Bonolo MOKOMA (JVW FC), Kgaelebane MOHLAKOANA (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Michelle SAMPSON (University of Fort Hare)
By Matlhomola Morake
