Banyana Banyana ready for fierce Wafcon title defence

The defending champions, South Africa, are gearing up for a tough title defence at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), with coach Desiree Ellis acknowledging the enormity of the challenge ahead.

Banyana Banyana, drawn in group C, will open their campaign on 7 July against Ghana in Oujda, before facing other strong contenders including Mali and Zambia.

Despite their 2022 triumph, Ellis remains grounded. “As much as people think it is easy, defending a title is very difficult,” she said. “But we know that it is possible. It is going to take everybody to step up when someone else is not there, and that is what happened in 2022.”

Ellis has emphasised thorough preparation, noting how the team has been closely tracking the development of key African rivals. “We’ve been following everything. Players are moving from these countries, so we were not just sitting; we prepared. Even though we haven’t played Mali in a while, we’ve obtained footage and begun work long before WAFCON,” she said.

With growing competition across the continent, the coach is banking on tactical depth and team chemistry to navigate this year’s high-stakes group stage.

The Sasol Banyana Banyana headed to Morocco to defend their WAFCON title has been announced!#SasolinSport#LiveTheImpossible#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/bYaKhgSpl7

— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) June 23, 2025

BALANCED SQUAD

South Africa, who will be without one of its key players, Thembi Kgatlana, will look to its balanced squad of battle-hardened veterans and hungry young talent.

In the heart of the senior players, there will be the experienced forward Jermaine Seoposenwe, who brings physicality and composure in the final third. While the midfield engine, Linda Motlhalo, will orchestrate the team’s play from deep, combining defensive grit with creative passing.

Bongeka Gamede continues to grow into her role as a commanding presence in the team, while Kaylin Swart, a hero in the 2022 final, remains Ellis’ trusted goalkeeper, bringing confidence and agility between the posts.

Ellis’s charges are not only aiming to retain their crown but also to reaffirm their status as a dominant force in African women’s football.

© Vuyo Ndudane