CentreCircle.online has learnt that Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies forward Ronnel Donnelly has been ruled out of action for the rest of the season following MRI scans conducted on the player this past week (Wednesday, 27 August 2025).
The Wentworth, Durban-born striker is expected to undergo an operation in the next few days.
Newly-signed by the Brazilians early last month (August 2025) from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Donnelly suffered the injury in the second half of their group stage clash against Zambia’s Zesco Ndola Girls a week ago (Sunday, 24 August 2025).
She had just come on as a substitute but left the field on a stretcher after only 24 minutes. Banyana ba Style lost that match 2-1 and were knocked out of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers that ended on Sunday (31 August) – the first time they miss out on the women’s continental competition.
This publication understands that the forward will only return to action in the new year.
Donelly is the second Banyana Banyana player to be sidelined by a long term injury in recent times, following in the footsteps of JVW star Gabriela Salgado.
The Blue Diamonds player suffered an injury at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in the semi-final fixture against Nigeria in Morocco in July – which South Africa also lost 2-1.
Salgado has also been ruled out for the season.
Both will miss Banyana Banyana’s crucial WAFCON 2026 qualifier clash against DR Congo next month, and, should South Africa qualify – will be in a race to be fit for the competition scheduled for March, which serves as the 2027 Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.
By Matlhomola Morake
