Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has announced the final 26-player squad that will represent South Africa at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)... with a prominent player missing.
Ellis' troops will be aiming to defend their WAFCON title when they fly off to Morocco for the 2024 edition of the continental tournament that will kick off on 5 July and continue until 26 July.
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Ahead of the tournament, Ellis has the final 26 players that will make the trip, and the squad is a mixture of youth and experience.
Captain Refiloe Jane returns to the national set-up having enjoyed regular playing time at TS Galaxy. Hildah Magaia, Linda Motlhalo and Andile Dlamini are also present to provide vital experience.
Striker Jermaine Seoposenwe, who shockingly announced that she will be retiring after the tournament, is also in the final squad.
In another shock, the squad will be without talismanic Thembi Kgatlana, who reportedly withdrew her participation due to 'personal reasons'.
Nevertheless, Ellis was also not too shy to add some young players to the squad. 18-year-old University of Johannesburg's Adrielle Mibe has made the final squad just months after making her senior Banyana debut.
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Another face on the team is University of the Western Cape striker Ronnel Donnelly. The 21-year-old was the Player of the Tournament and the Leading Goal Scorer at the Varsity Football tournament, and is considered one of the country's brightest prospects.
17-year-old JVW starlet Bonolo Mokoma is also part of the travelling squad.
The defending African champions are in Group B alongside Mali, Ghana and Tanzania.
