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Desiree Ellis, Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia & Bongeka Gamede of Banyana Banyana 16-9GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

No Thembi Kgatlana, no main sponsor - Can Banyana Banyana defy the odds and defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown?

South Africa’s golden girls are back on the continental stage, aiming to go all the way and lift the prestigious African title in Morocco once again.

As the defending champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the pressure is immense. But this time, the journey feels different. Their most iconic player, Thembi Kgatlana, is not part of the squad. The off-field battles with the South African Football Association (SAFA) over funding and support continue to linger. And to make matters more uncertain, long-time sponsor Sasol, a critical financial and emotional backer of the women’s national team, have not renewed their contract, which ended with SAFA on June 30.

Yet, under the steady guidance of Desiree Ellis, South Africa remains a team that knows how to rise from adversity. With a backbone of senior players and a fresh wave of hungry young talent, this might just be another story of grit over glory. 

Here, GOAL takes an in-depth look at what could define Banyana’s WAFCON campaign.

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  • Desiree Ellis, South AfricaBackpage

    Desiree Ellis: The heartbeat of a nation’s football dream

    Desiree Ellis is more than a coach, she is the soul of this team. The former Banyana captain-turned-coach has taken this team from hopefuls to continental champions, instilling a culture of belief, discipline and togetherness that many thought impossible in the context of South African women’s football. 

    Her leadership is tested yet again as she prepares for a WAFCON campaign without her star forward, Thembi Kgatlana. But Ellis is no stranger to building winning teams from humble parts. She has built her career on resourcefulness and resilience, managing to thrive even when the odds are stacked against her. Her trust in players like Refiloe Jane, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Andile Dlamini is unwavering. These are players who know her system, her standards and her unwavering desire to succeed. In Ellis, Banyana have more than a tactician, they have a general who inspires loyalty and fearlessness in equal measure.

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  • Noxolo Cesane.BackpagePix

    Opportunity for the next generation to rise

    The absence of Thembi Kgatlana opens up a massive void, not just in the frontline but also in terms of leadership and game-breaking ability. But for every challenge lies an opportunity, and this year’s edition could be the launching pad for a new generation of Banyana stars.

    Adrielle Mibe is one to watch - she’s quick, clever and confident in front of goal. The 18-year-old scored her first goal for Banyana in their 3-2 win against Botswana at the Three Nations Series in June.

    Midfield dynamo Noxolo Cesane brings versatility and a high work rate, honed through her international experience alongside breakout talents including Ronnel Donnelly and Bonolo Mokoma.


  • Danny Jordaan, SAFABackpage

    SAFA and the money matters still playing against the system

    Behind every brave run onto the field lies a quieter battle that Banyana Banyana continue to fight, one against their own federation. SAFA has long struggled with financial mismanagement, late payments and broken promises.

    Ahead of this year’s tournament, murmurs of logistical challenges and resource gaps once again surfaced. And yet, through it all, the players lace up, show up and give their all. They do it not for boardroom politics, but for the badge, for each other and for millions of young girls who see themselves in green and gold. 

    The off-field instability is a cloud that looms, but somehow, Banyana continues to shine through it. If they do go all the way again, it will be a triumph not just over opponents but over a system that continues to fail them.


  • Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo, Banyana BanyanaBackpagePix

    Seniors who need to step into the spotlight

    It would be foolish to pretend Kgatlana’s absence won’t be felt. She is, after all, the face of Banyana - a lethal forward, a vocal leader and a symbol of what’s possible. But this team has other warriors, equally capable of rising when called upon. 

    Midfield maestro Refiloe Jane brings calm and control, dictating tempo like a seasoned conductor. Jermaine Seoposenwe is a weapon in attack - intelligent, unpredictable and dangerous in tight spaces. And between the sticks, Andile Dlamini continues to be a rock - not just a shot-stopper, but an emotional leader who radiates confidence, alongside the likes of Hildah Magaia and Bongeka Gamede, who are an instrumental part of the team.

    These seniors have been through every high and low, from the heartbreak of 2018 to the ecstasy of 2022. They know what it takes. This is their moment to stand tall, to steady the ship and to carry the dreams of a nation forward.


  • Banyana Banyana South Africa 2022 WAFCON winnersGetty

    So… Can they do it again?

    On paper, it may look like Banyana are heading to Morocco short on firepower, short on support and short on perfect preparation. But the paper doesn’t tell you about the heart. It doesn’t measure Ellis’ impact in the dressing room or how a young player’s eyes light up when she’s told she’s starting her first WAFCON game. 

    It doesn’t show the unbreakable sisterhood built over years of fighting side by side. Yes, there are flaws. Yes, there are setbacks. But champions don’t always have the best team - sometimes, they just have the most belief. South Africa have won before under pressure. They’ve silenced doubters. And they’ve united a country through football. This year, they have one more mountain to climb. The road will be steep, but don’t be surprised if they plant their flag at the top once again.

  • Desiree Ellis of Banyana BanyanaBackpagepix

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