Kgatlana Returns To Banyana Squad
Banyana Banyana have confirmed the return of star striker Thembi Kgatlana for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The 2018 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year missed South Africa’s title defence at this year’s Women’s AFCON for personal reasons, where Banyana were eliminated by Nigeria — who went on to win the tournament.
Banyana Banyana finished fourth after losing 4-3 on penalties to Ghana in the third-place playoff. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time in Casablanca, Morocco, in July.
“The Banyana Banyana squad to face DR Congo in the WAFCON 2025 qualifiers has been named,” SAFA announced in a statement.
“The team will assemble on 19 October and depart for DR Congo on the same day. The first leg will be played on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, while the return leg will take place at FNB Stadium.”
On Wednesday night, SAFA also confirmed that Desiree Ellis has been reappointed as Banyana Banyana head coach on a new five-year deal.
The decision followed the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mbombela this week, chaired by President Danny Jordaan.
