Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has expressed her excitement with the new brand of players she has called up in the team that will face Mehalalitoe of Lesotho in two international friendly matches in February.

“We are always watching players and have been impressed with the group we have called in for these two matches. As you see some are from the COSAFA Championships played last year, some are currently part of the U17 National Team and will have an opportunity to learn from the senior team while they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers,” said Dr Ellis.

She continued by saying; “we want to see what the following players will bring to the team. We want them to showcase themselves and fight for a spot in the senior team”.

Dean Somerset – Manager | Group Brand and Sponsorships: “Sasol proudly congratulates the newly announced Banyana Banyana squad set to face Lesotho in friendly matches at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. As our reigning WAFCON champions prepare to defend their title, we commend Coach Desiree Ellis and her technical team for their commitment to growing the game by broadening the player pool and introducing fresh talent into the team.

“To all the players, both new and experienced, we wish you the very best. This is a team that continues to live the impossible on and off the field, and we have no doubt that you will bring the same passion, resilience, and excellence to these encounters. Sasol will be behind you, South Africa will be behind you—go out there and shine!”

These matches are part of the South Africa Senior Women’s National Team’s preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco between 5 – 26 July 2025. The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will begin the camp with a goalkeeper’s camp on 15 February 2025, with in-field players joining the camp on 17 February 2025 in Johannesburg.