Johannesburg, South Africa – The next generation of Banyana Banyana talent will take centre stage this weekend as South Africa’s senior women’s national team faces Lesotho in the first of two friendly internationals at the UJ Soweto Campus. The matches, scheduled for Saturday, 22 February, and Tuesday, 25 February, mark a crucial phase in the team’s preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
With head coach Desiree Ellis opting for a youthful squad, the friendlies provide a golden opportunity for emerging stars to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for a place in the final WAFCON roster.
A New Era for Banyana Banyana
The decision to field a largely developmental squad is a bold but calculated move by Ellis, who has set her sights on expanding the core group of players ahead of a pivotal year. Many of the selected players come from South Africa’s U17 and U20 teams, with a few notable standouts from last year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship squad also included.
“It’s not just about talent; it’s about attitude, resilience, and whether these young players can handle the demands of senior international football,” Ellis said. “We are giving them the chance to step up without the added pressure of senior players in camp.”
The Banyana mentor’s hands-on approach has been evident in her scouting and selection process, with a keen eye on those who have shown promise in domestic competitions and junior international tournaments.
Goalkeepers Under the Spotlight
A key area of focus for the technical team will be in goal, where a new generation of shot-stoppers is being groomed for the future. Goalkeeper coach Cameron Cox has made it clear that he expects a clean sheet from the selected keepers while also allowing them valuable game time on the international stage.
With Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy), Kebotseng Moletsane (UWC), Casey Gordon (JVW FC), and Kgomotso Mussimango (Mamelodi Sundowns) selected, the friendlies provide a much-needed test of their composure, distribution, and shot-stopping ability.
“There’s huge potential in the players we have, but the intensity of international football is another level,” Cox said. “These matches will help them adapt, and we want to see who can step up.”
Lesotho as a Stepping Stone
Banyana Banyana has traditionally dominated their southern African counterparts, with their last encounter against Lesotho ending in a resounding 6-0 victory in 2018. However, the current squad’s inexperience means that no game can be taken lightly.
Defender Katlego Malebana, who has captained South Africa’s junior teams, understands the significance of these matches.
“This is our chance to prove that we belong here,” Malebana said. “Lesotho will be physical, but we have to focus on our strengths and make the most of this opportunity.”
South Africa’s superiority in the FIFA rankings suggests they should claim victory, but Ellis is looking beyond the scoreline. With WAFCON preparations in full swing, she wants to assess whether the young players can adapt to senior-level demands, execute tactical instructions, and maintain discipline over 90 minutes.
Building Towards WAFCON and Beyond
Banyana Banyana’s ambitions extend well beyond these friendlies. With crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon and their WAFCON title defense set for July, Ellis is determined to create a squad that blends experience with youthful energy.
“We need depth, and we need to create competition within the squad,” she emphasized. “Some of these players might not be ready yet, but we will continue to monitor and develop them so that when their time comes, they can seamlessly integrate into the senior setup.”
The upcoming fixtures against Nigeria and Zimbabwe later this year will be sterner tests, but for now, the focus is on Lesotho and ensuring that South Africa’s rising stars grasp their moment.
The Road Ahead
With a packed calendar leading up to WAFCON, every match carries significance. The Lesotho friendlies serve as the foundation for what promises to be an exciting year for Banyana Banyana.
For the young players donning the national jersey this weekend, it is more than just a friendly—it is an audition for the future. With Ellis and her coaching staff watching closely, the challenge is clear: step up, make an impact, and prove that South Africa’s footballing future remains in safe hands.
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