Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has called up a new-look squad of locally based players to broaden her selection pool for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Ellis has assembled this fresh squad as they prepare to host COSAFA neighbors Lesotho in two international friendly matches in Johannesburg later this month.

The first match will take place on 22 February, with the second leg a few days later on Tuesday, 25 February.

These two games form part of a nine-day training camp that Ellis will conduct from 17-26 February 2025.

The 2022 WAFCON champions are returning to action for the first time this year after two away friendlies against Jamaica at Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay in December 2024.

All these matches, including the two against Lesotho, are part of the South African senior women’s national team’s preparations for this year’s WAFCON, which will be held in Morocco from 5–26 July 2025.

Full Banyana squad:

Defenders: Ntando Phahla (University of Pretoria), Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Yomelelo Jacobs (TS Galaxy), Sikelelwa Mhlanga (City Lads FC), Unathi Simayile (University of the Western Cape), Yolanda Nduil (University of Johannesburg)

Midfielders: Okuhle Sithole (Durban Ladies FC), Mmabatho Mogale (Currently not announced), Nondumiso Manengela (University of the Western Cape), Isabella Ludwig (Currently not announced), Katlego Malebana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibongile Ntoane (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC), Thato Mofolo, Adrielle MIBE (both University of Johannesburg), Kesha Hndricks (University of Fort Hare)

Forwards: Katlego Mohale, Tanna Hollis (both JVW FC) Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies FC), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC) Mavis Maiacane (Super Strikers FC), Nobahle Mdelwa (University of Johannesburg)

Goalkeeper Specialised Camp: Jessica Williams (Badgers FC), Casey Gordon(JVW FC), Asa Rabalao, Mbali Ntimeni (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Matshidiso Masebe (University of Johannesburg), Katlego Moletsane, Siphesihle Dlamini (both University of the Western Cape), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy)