Coach Makes Shock Decision! Safa explains why star striker Thembi Kgatlana is excluded from Banyana Banyana-Wafcon squad as SA look to retain continental title in Morocco

Thembi Kgatlana has been excluded from the Banyana Banyana squad that is preparing to defend the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title in Morocco.

According to the South African Football Association (Safa), the experienced striker will not be part of the squad in camp due to personal reasons.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has reduced her preliminary squad to 28 players. The Wafcon title-winning coach had invited 46 players to camp as she fine-tuned the team for the continental finals next month.

At the Johannesburg camp, Ellis will have 24 of the 28 players available on 19 June 2025. The four foreign-based stars will join their teammates later, as they still have club commitments to attend to.

Meanwhile, Hildah Magaia will join the camp at a later stage because she is still undergoing medical assessments.

Whatever the reason given, Kgatlana's absence is a surprise given the crucial Wafcon duties ahead for Banyana.

Over the years, Kgatlana has been a dependable goal machine for the national side; she has scored 31 goals in 82 matches for Banyana.

Only Noko Matlou (66) and Portia Modise (101) have scored more goals for Banyana than Kgatlana, just a testament to how important the experienced striker has been for the team.

Her prowess in front of goal is also shown by her starts for her Mexican club, Tigres UANL. She managed to score 14 goals in 39 matches this season.

Ellis is expected to name her final squad on June 23, 2025, in Johannesburg before Banyana leaves for Morocco.

The defending champions are in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. South Africa will kickstart their title defence campaign on July 7 against Ghana before they face Tanzania on July 11.

Mzansi will conclude the group stage assignment on July 14 with a game against Mali.