27.03.2026
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Ellis names refreshed Banyana squad as WAFCON prep continues

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  • Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis.

With Banyana Banyana’s focus firmly on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco in July and August, coach Desiree Ellis also realises the importance of looking beyond the continental tournament.

She has cast her net a little wider when she named her squad for next month’s warm-up matches.

The Banyana Banyana coach needs to build depth, and a mix of youth and experience is the way to go.

Ellis is gradually introducing new faces into the Banyana Banyana fold. This is seen as key ahead of this year’s WAFCON and an approach that will hopefully pay dividends at next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Increasing the depth in the defence department has been her main focus in recent months.

“We have to make sure that we have an abundance of goalkeepers. We called in Casey for the COSAFA, and we now need to look at Katlego. She had a very good season with the University of Fort Hare. It allows us to consider another goalkeeper. We have to make sure that if anything happens, we are ready in that department,” she says.

Defender Antonia Maponya, who is a junior officer in the South African National Defence Force, is one of the players that Ellis has earmarked. She came through the ranks, having played for the Under-17 and Under-20 national teams. When she is not on duty with the Navy, she plays as a defender for the University of the Western Cape.

“She played against Jamaica as well. Unfortunately, she had to go on duty with the Navy for almost the whole season. She has a fantastic left foot and is very versatile. Sometimes she plays at centre back, and she offers us something similar to what Karabo offers us. Karabo has played left centre back as well as left back,” says Ellis.

36-year-old Leandra Smeda of TS Galaxy Queens was the top goal scorer in the Hollywoodbets Super League with 22 goals last season. She was also named the Hollywoodbets Super League Player of the Year, but for some reason, she’s not on Ellis’ radar yet.

“I don’t think it’s just about Leandra. When you look at the nominations that happened at the Hollywood Bets Awards, there are so many others who may also feel aggrieved. But we have to look at the makeup of the squad and how they fit in. If you look at our strikers, they’re all very quick players, so we look for similar players who can contribute. The door has never been closed to anyone,” adds Ellis.

No one is guaranteed a place in the squad, either.

RELATED VIDEO | Banyana qualifies for WAFCON after defeating DRC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ircz0Iy7CI

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