Desiree Ellis calls up youthful Banyana squad for February training camp

Smiso Msomi

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis, last week, unveiled a 22-player squad set to convene for a critical training camp during the upcoming FIFA women's international break later this month.

The squad predominantly features those who secured runner-up status at last year’s COSAFA Women’s Championships, as Ellis seeks to identify potential reinforcements ahead of the highly anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) scheduled for July.

The players are set to assemble from 17-26 February, during which Banyana will compete against Lesotho in two friendly matches.

These fixtures are aimed at not only assessing up-and-coming stars but also acclimatising them to the tactical and training expectations of the senior women's national team.

Squad called up for the camp on 17 February 2025 - 25 February 2025 @SABC_Sport @SasolinSport @Shield_ZA pic.twitter.com/Ki93tXtVHw

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) February 6, 2025

In a strategic move, Ellis has opted not to call up regular senior players or overseas-based individuals, providing a unique opportunity for emerging talent to shine.

Among the standout names in the squad is the Hollywoodbets Super League Young Player of the Season, Khwezi Khoza. Accompanying her are promising youngsters Kesha Hendricks and Isabella Ludwig, the latter having garnered the Player of the Tournament accolade at the regional showpiece held in Gqeberha.

In a parallel effort, Ellis has invited eight goalkeepers to a specialised camp scheduled from 15-17 February. This session will culminate in a selection process where the group will be cut down to four, who will then join the selected 22 players for the entirety of the training camp.

Notable names include revered former Banyana third-choice goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane, who recently transitioned to the University of Western Cape after leaving Royal AM.

Also featured is Matshidiso Masebe, awarded the Goalkeeper of the Season in the Hollywoodbets Super League, and Jessica Williams, who received the COSAFA Goalkeeper of the Tournament title while playing for Badgers FC in the Sasol Women’s League.

As Banyana prepares for the continental showdown, Ellis' focus on nurturing younger talent signals a commitment to building a robust and competitive national team.

The upcoming training camp promises to be a pivotal moment for the future of South African women’s football, showcasing both fresh talent and the strategic vision of the coaching staff with the ‘golden generation’ out in a couple of years.

Banyana were drawn against Ghana, Mali and Tanzania in Group C in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations which will be held in Morocco.

Full Banyana squad:

Defenders: Ntando Phahla (University of Pretoria), Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Yomelelo Jacobs (TS Galaxy), Sikelelwa Mhlanga (City Lads FC), Unathi Simayile (University of the Western Cape), Yolanda Nduil (University of Johannesburg)

Midfielders: Okuhle Sithole (Durban Ladies FC), Mmabatho Mogale (Currently not announced), Nondumiso Manengela (University of the Western Cape), Isabella Ludwig (Currently not announced), Katlego Malebana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Sibongile Ntoane (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC), Thato Mofolo, Adrielle MIBE (both University of Johannesburg), Kesha Hendricks (University of Fort Hare)

Forwards: Katlego Mohale, Tanna Hollis (both JVW FC) Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies FC), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (TUT-Matsatsantsa FC) Mavis Maiacane (Super Strikers FC), Nobahle Mdelwa (University of Johannesburg)

Goalkeeper Specialised Camp: Jessica Williams (Badgers FC), Casey Gordon(JVW FC), Asa Rabalao, Mbali Ntimeni (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Matshidiso Masebe (University of Johannesburg), Katlego Moletsane, Siphesihle Dlamini (both University of the Western Cape), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy).