Dr Desiree Ellis Unveils Banyana Squad for Zambia and Botswana International Friendlies
Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced the squad that will face Zambia and Botswana in international friendlies to be played this month, in a release by SAFA on Friday, 16 May, 2025.
The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team will play against Botswana on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, and then Botswana and Zambia will face off against each other on Saturday, 31 May 2025. Then Dr Ellis’ charges will wrap up the Three-Nations series against Zambia on Tuesday, 3 June 2025.
“We are the highest-ranked team in the COSAFA region, but I don’t think that means anything. I think being the WAFCON defending champions as well, I think that carries a bit of weight on your back with everybody wanting to play you and wanting to beat you and come up and put up the best performance.”
Banyana Banyana Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
The matches are part of the senior women’s national team’s preparations for the defense of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, as the countdown continues to the continental tournament to be hosted in Morocco from 5 to 26 July, 2025.
“But we also know that it’s a test not just for us but for them. We’re all going to the WAFCON. Botswana got to the quarterfinals, Zambia got to the semi-finals the last time,” said Ellis. “So, the test is for us, but just so much as it is for them, and I think the physicality that both of them are going to bring is something we sometimes struggle with.
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“I think we’ve got to have more control and this will help us to see where we are with that. Defensively we’ve got to be sound and obviously at set-pieces we’re going to be challenged with the area that they have. The speed of both teams’ attack that they have, we’ve got to be able to then organise our defensive shape better because that is what’s going to happen at WAFCON.”
Brand and Sponsorship Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: “We would like to congratulate the Banyana Banyana squad announced to face Cameroon in their upcoming international friendly.”
“As the team sets its sights on defending their WAFCON title, we wish to urge them to remain focused and adopt their winning mindset which has been at the centre of Banyana Banyana’s success. Sasol is proud to stand beside Banyana Banyana on their quest to Live the Impossible. We wish them all the best in the upcoming match and their road to Morocco.”
Sasol Senior Manager – Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha
Thembi Kgatlana has not been selected to this camp, and Dr Ellis explained that she has club commitments that would have made it difficult for her to travel from North America, and still be fresh enough for the two friendlies.
All three matches will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville and kick off is at 15h00 for all of them.
Banyana Banyana Squad for Zambia and Botswana International Friendlies
Kaylin Swart – JVW FC
Andile Dlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Jessica Williams – University of Cape Town FC
Casey Gordon – JVW FC
Lebohang Ramalepe – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Fikile Gagama – University of the Western Cape FC
Gabriela Salgado – JVW FC
Sharkira O’Malley – Western Michigan University (USA)
Tiisetso Makhubela – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bambanani Mbane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Karabo Dhlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bongeka Gamede – Nordsjaelland (Denmark)
Linda Mothlalo – Glasgow City (Scotland)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Refiloe Jane – TS Galaxy FC
Amogelang Motau – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Regina Mogalola – JVW FC
Renniker Khoza – University of Fort Hare FC
Adrielle Mibe – UJ FC
Hildah Mgaia – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Jermaine Seoposenwe – CF Monterray (Mexico)
Bonolo Mokoma – JVW FC
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Michelle Sampson – University of Fort Hare FC
International Friendly AFCON 2025 Preparation Three-Nations Series
15h00 Wed 28 May – South Africa vs Botswana
15h00 Sat 31 May – Botswana vs Zambia
15h00 Tue 3 June – South Africa vs Zambia
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced the squad that will face Zambia and Botswana in international friendlies to be played this month, in a release by SAFA on Friday, 16 May, 2025. Photo: SAFA
Crédito: Link de origem