Banyana Banyana have dropped their latest squad announcement and it is filled with the familiar heartbeat of South African women’s football, mixed with a wave of rising stars ready to stake their claim. Head coach Desiree Ellis has called up 26 players for an international friendly against Morocco on 2 December 2025, a fixture that forms part of the team’s long game toward the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The squad will gather in Johannesburg on 24 November before jetting off to North Africa later that week, marking another crucial step in Banyana’s preparation cycle.
Read More: CAF Expands Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations Finals To 16 Teams Ahead Of Morocco 2026
A Squad Blending Experience And New Energy
Ellis has once again leaned on the spine of her most trusted performers. Refiloe Jane headlines the midfield group, Linda Motlhalo returns with her usual composure and creativity, and defender Bambanani Mbane remains a rock at the back.
But this isn’t just a reunion of regulars. It is also a stage for newer names to rise. Young goalkeeper Casey Gordon and midfielder Michelle Sampson, who have quietly impressed in recent months, have earned another opportunity to show they belong at international level. Their inclusion reflects Banyana’s ongoing push for depth, something Ellis has repeatedly emphasised in the build-up to WAFCON.
Why This Morocco Test Matters
South Africans may look at Morocco and remember the clashes in recent years where both nations showed remarkable growth. Morocco, backed by heavy investment in women’s football, has become one of the continent’s most ambitious sides. Playing them on their home soil offers Banyana a valuable test.
With qualification now behind them, Banyana are shifting into the phase where performance, combinations, and cohesion matter more than results. Ellis has been clear that every match en route to 2026 must sharpen the team’s readiness, especially for the younger squad members who will need to stand tall in the pressure moments.
Local Context: Depth Is No Longer A Luxury
South African women’s football has spent years battling for resources, visibility, and investment. Success at WAFCON 2022 and strong performances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup forced decision-makers to rethink their priorities. With more players leaving to sign for clubs abroad, Ellis now has a larger pool to choose from than at any point in the past decade.
The Morocco friendly comes at the perfect time, giving the coach a live testing ground before the pressure of WAFCON hits. Every call-up matters, especially for players hoping to secure their seats on the plane next year.
Full Banyana Banyana Squad
Goalkeepers:
Casey Gordon (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy FC)
Defenders:
Lebo Ramalepe, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Asanda Hadebe (all Sundowns), Fikile Magama, Unathi Simayile, Antonia Maponya (all UWC), Sibahle Mneli (TS Galaxy FC)
Midfielders:
Bongeka Gamede (Nordsjaelland), Jessica Wade, Regina Mogolola, Bongiwe Thusi (JVW FC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Isabella Ludwig, Noxolo Cesane (Sundowns), Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy FC), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana), Michelle Sampson (University of Fort Hare)
Forwards:
Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Nthabiseng Majiya (Sundowns), Nobahle Mdelwa (UJ), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies)
The Bigger Picture
This squad naming is more than just a list of players. It’s a snapshot of a team in transformation, balancing its golden generation with the next wave of talent. As South Africa continues to invest in women’s football, Banyana’s upcoming match against Morocco will give Ellis one more chance to refine the formula that could carry them deep into WAFCON 2026.
Supporters are ready. The squad is ready. And if early reactions are anything to go by, excitement is building for what could be another defining chapter in Banyana’s journey.
Source: SABC Sport
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