Ellis names Banyana Banyana squad for COSAFA friendlies

Banyana Banyana head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has announced a 24-player squad set to take on Zambia and Botswana in a series of international friendlies scheduled for later this month.

Banyana will play against Botswana on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. That will be followed by a face off between Botswana and Zambia on Saturday, 31 May, before Banyana Banyana wraps up the Three-Nations series against Zambia on Tuesday, 3 June.

All three matches will be held at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, with kick-off set for 15:00.

These matches form a crucial part of the senior women’s national team’s preparations for the defense of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, as the countdown to the continental showpiece in Morocc, set to take place from 5 to 26 July 2025 continues .

Speaking ahead of the friendlies, Dr. Ellis emphasised the importance of staying grounded and focused.

“We are the highest ranked team in the COSAFA region, but I don’t think that means anything. I think being the WAFCON defending champions as well, I think that carries a bit of weight on your back with everybody wanting to play you and wanting to beat you and come up and put up the best performance.

“But we also know that it’s a test not just for us but for them. We’re all going to the WAFCON. Botswana got to the quarterfinals, Zambia got to the semi-finals the last time. So the test is for us but just so much as it is for them, and I think the physicality that both of them are going to bring is something we sometimes struggle with.” she added