Banyana Banyana have received a significant boost with the return of Thembi Kgatlana and Bongeka Gamede for the two back-to-back international friendlies against Japan next month. The 2022 WAFCON champions face Japan on Saturday, 6 June at Nagai Ballgame Field, with the second scheduled for Tuesday, 9 June at J-Green Sakai, also in Osaka.
Kgatlana and Gamede missed the recent camp in Algeria, but are now ready to return to action. Unfortunately, the squad does not include Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, and Shakira O’Malley as they are nursing injuries, while Lebohang Ramalepe is also unavailable for selection due to writing exams.
Preparations for WAFCON Tournament
The clashes against the Asian champions all form part of the preparation for the upcoming WAFCON tournament set to be staged in Morocco from 25 July – 16 August. According to the 2022 WAFCON format, the top three teams from each group will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Of course, two big games against Japan, ranked number five in the world, they’re also the current Asian champions. We know the qualities that they have, they will really challenge us in a different way to what Algeria did,” said Desiree Ellis, the Banyana Banyana coach.
Challenges Ahead
Banyana will face Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania in Group B at WAFCON. The tournament serves as a 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, making it a crucial competition for the team.
The squad includes Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Sinegugu Zondi, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Antonia Maponya, Asanda Hadebe, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede, Linda Motlhalo, Khutso Pila, Refiloe Jane, Noxolo Cesane, Isabella Ludwig, and Nonhlanhla Mthandi.
- Thembi Kgatlana returns to the squad after missing the recent camp in Algeria
- Bongeka Gamede also returns to the squad
- Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, and Shakira O’Malley are nursing injuries
- Lebohang Ramalepe is unavailable due to exams
