Reigning champions South Africa will head to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), taking place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, without their talismanic forward Thembi Kgatlana. Her absence from the tournament is reportedly due to personal reasons that have not been publicly disclosed.
Kgatlana’s omission from the final squad, announced on Monday, came as little surprise. She was already absent from the pre-tournament training camp, signaling her likely unavailability. The confirmation simply solidified what many had anticipated.
This isn’t the first time Kgatlana has missed part of a major tournament. During WAFCON 2022, hosted in the same country, she suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in a group stage match against Botswana. Despite her injury, Banyana Banyana went on to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
This time, however, the team will be without both of its African Women’s Footballer of the Year recipients—2008 winner Noko Matlou, who has since retired, and Kgatlana, the 2018 recipient.
Familiar Faces Return for Title Defense
Head coach Desiree Ellis has stuck with the core of the squad that triumphed in 2022. Of the 11 players who started the final against Morocco, only Matlou and Nomvula Kgoale are missing from this year’s 26-player list.
From the preliminary squad called up for final preparations (June 19–22), only Shakira O’Malley (Western Michigan University) and Bongiwe Thusi (JVW FC) were dropped.
This tournament could represent a final outing for several key veterans from Banyana’s golden generation—players who brought home the 2022 title and helped secure South Africa’s first two FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances (2019 and 2023).
One such player is Jermaine Seoposenwe of CF Monterrey, who is expected to lead the frontline alongside Club Tijuana’s Hildah Magaia, Amogelang Motau, another Tijuana player, also made the final squad.
International and Domestic Talent Combine
South Africa’s squad boasts a blend of local and international players. Abroad-based stars include:
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Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland)
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Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)
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Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland, Denmark)
Meanwhile, domestic powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns leads the squad in representation, contributing eight players, including goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and defenders Bambanani Mbane and Karabo Dhlamini.
Former AC Milan and Sassuolo midfielder Refiloe Jane, now playing for TS Galaxy, will captain the team.
Road to the Knockout Stage
Drawn in Group C, Banyana Banyana will begin their title defense against Ghana on July 7, followed by matches against Tanzania (July 11) and Mali (July 14). The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.
As African women’s football continues to evolve rapidly—with stars like Barbra Banda back in Zambia’s squad—questions remain over whether South Africa has enough depth and quality to retain their title without Kgatlana.
South Africa’s WAFCON 2024 Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon
Defenders:
Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders:
Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane (Captain), Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Forwards:
Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely
