Banyana wrap up WAFCON preparations amid Seoposenwe's retirement announcement
Banyana Banyana are preparing for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with coach Desiree Ellis respecting Jermaine Seoposenwe's retirement decision and announcing a provisional squad
Jermaine Seoposenwe Banyana Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe has announced her shock retirement from international football.
Image: File Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix
The reigning African champions Banyana Banyana have convened for their final training camp ahead of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to kick off in Morocco from July 5-26.
This is a crucial period of preparation as they seek to defend their title. All but three players have reported for national duty. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana and Bongeka Gamede are still completing their travels from abroad.
Seoposenwe plays in Mexico, Mohlakoana in DR Congo, and Gamede plies her trade in Denmark. They are expected to join their teammates in the next few days.
In the latest development, Bongiwe Thusi has been called up to take the place of Michelle Sampson, who withdrew due to health reasons.
Coach Desiree Ellis is set to announce the final squad of 21 players on Monday, alongside two additional players who will remain on standby.
Ellis praised the contributions of Seoposenwe, who has affirmed her intention to retire from the national team after the upcoming WAFCON. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Seoposenwe, acknowledging her significant impact on the team while also respecting her decision to step away.
In another notable absence, the renowned striker Thembi Kgatlana will not participate in the WAFCON squad due to “personal reasons.”
Kgatlana, currently playing for Tigres UANL Femenil in the Mexican Women’s Premier League, has been a vital contributor to the national team's success over the years, making her exclusion a significant blow for Banyana.
The team departs for Morocco on Tuesday, 24 June. Banyana Banyana will play in Group C alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali.
Banyana's provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad:
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon
Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders: Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Forwards: Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely.