Banyana Banyana, the South African women's national football team, is gearing up for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) set to begin this July by playing back-to-back international friendlies against their neighbors, Lesotho.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, coach Dr. Desiree Ellis and her squad will take to the pitch at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus for the first of two preparatory matches against Lesotho, beginning at 1 PM.
This friendly series serves as both an assessment and opportunity for new players hoping to be included in the squad for Wafcon, which will be held from July 5 to July 26, 2025. Banyana Banyana has had impressive performances recently, including winning the 2022 Wafcon title and advancing to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Their success has heightened expectations as they aim to defend their continental title.
Ellis expressed optimism about the friend's matches, highlighting the importance of evaluating younger players. "It’s also great to see which of the players can step up because it’s really important we make sure the core group is bigger..." she stated during the team’s recent training session. The South African Football Association (SAFA) was represented by President Dr. Danny Jordaan during the session, underscoring the support for the women's team.
These matches come on the heels of rigorous training sessions, where the team had to overcome inclement weather and rain, allowing Ellis to see how potential new talent could integrate with more experienced players. "We want to see players play... it's the only way you can see whether they can step up," Ellis emphasized, noting the necessity of performance both on the training field and during the matches.
Among the players to watch is Keisha Hendricks, who expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming matches. "I am very excited about the opportunity... I want to maintain the same standard," said Hendricks, who performed well during the recent COSAFA Championship. With her eyes set on impressing and securing her place on the Wafcon squad, Hendricks indicated the importance of these friendlies to her career. She cited her performance during the regional tournament as motivation, stating, "The bigger picture for me is to perform well so I can be selected to represent South Africa at this year’s Wafcon."
The importance of these friendly matches extends beyond immediate preparation; they allow for the expansion of the player pool and provide necessary international experience for potential future stars. Each player’s performance will be evaluated for readiness and capability to contribute to the senior team, especially for the younger squad members.
These matches come after Banyana Banyana's somewhat challenging recent outings, including trips to Europe and two losses against Jamaica. "We have had a challenge putting a team together previously, so we want to see who we can add to the current core group..." Ellis explained, pointing out the necessity of finding the right balance of experience and talent.
Despite facing Lesotho, Ellis remains aware of the challenges presented by their southern neighbors. She insisted, "It is not going to be an easy game, but it is one we will be able to test the level of the players and if they are able to showcase their talent."
Throughout the upcoming matches, expect both teams to experiment with lineups, as coaches will look to give opportunities to various players. This not only assists teams with testing their depth but also contributes to strategic planning for the continental tournament. The outcome of these friendlies will play a significant role as Banyana Banyana prepares to defend their title and assert their place on the international stage.
The total share of the spotlight will be on the players as they vie for recognition and selection. The resolve displayed during these encounters against Lesotho may help shape the future of Banyana Banyana as they aim for success at Wafcon.