South Africa’s senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, will face Asian powerhouse Japan Women’s National Team in two international friendlies this June as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The matches are a key component of head coach Desiree Ellis’ strategic build-up, with the technical crew keen on refining tactics and strengthening the squad ahead of the continental tournament.
According to the schedule, the first encounter will be played on Saturday, June 6, at the Nagai Ballgame Field, while the second fixture is set for Tuesday, June 9, at J-Green Sakai.
The double-header presents a significant test for the African champions, as they come up against one of Asia’s most technically gifted and tactically disciplined sides.
Japan’s reputation for fluid passing and high-intensity play is expected to challenge South Africa and expose areas for improvement.
For Ellis and her team, the friendlies offer more than just competition—they provide an opportunity to evaluate squad depth, experiment with combinations, and build cohesion within the team.
With WAFCON 2026 on the horizon, every match serves as a stepping stone toward achieving peak performance.
Banyana Banyana will be aiming to use the experience gained from these encounters to sharpen their competitive edge and reinforce their status as one of Africa’s leading women’s football teams.
