Banyana Banyana
By Sello Masilo
Casablanca, Morocco – African champions Banyana Banyana have at last arrived and settled in Morocco after a gruelling journey exceeding 24 hours, including delayed flights and a lay‑over in Ghana. The Sasol‑sponsored South African senior women’s national team departed OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, and touched down in Morocco on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, ahead of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled from 5–26 July 2025.
“This was a long and tiring trip, but we have arrived and nicely settled in, and we managed to have our first training session,” confirmed head coach Dr Desiree Ellis upon arrival in Casablanca   .
Final Preparations Underway in Casablanca
The team wasted no time acclimatising to local conditions, completing their first light training session in Mohammedia, marking the start of their final preparation phase (). Banyana Banyana will remain in Casablanca before relocating to their base camp in Oujda on Thursday, 3 July 2025, ahead of the tournament kick-off.
Dr Ellis expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s a new place where we arrived at, but it’s still Morocco. It’s very exciting to be here to finally get started. There is a big tournament coming up and we have to be ready for it, and we are looking forward to the upcoming days to continue with our preparations,” reaffirming the squad’s positive spirit .
Squad Announcement and Co-Captains
Earlier this week, coach Dr Ellis unveiled a provisional squad of 26 players. The final 21-woman roster will be confirmed closer to the tournament’s commencement . Among those joining late are Jermaine Seoposenwe and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, arriving directly from their clubs .
In addition, veteran forward Seoposenwe has announced her intention to retire from international football after WAFCON, while experienced midfielders Refiloe Jane, Lebohang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau will serve as co‑captains during the tournament .
Title Defence Begins in Oujda’s Honour Stadium
Banyana Banyana begin their title defence in Group C at Oujda’s 19 800‑seat Honour Stadium when they face Ghana on Monday, 7 July at 17:00 Moroccan time. Following that, they will take on Tanzania in Berkane on Friday, 11 July, and conclude the group stage against Mali back in Oujda on Monday, 14 July .
WAFCON 2024 Overview and Venues
This 15th edition of WAFCON—officially the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations—will run from 5–26 July 2025, with Morocco hosting back‑to‑back tournaments since 2022 . The competition will unfold across six stadiums in five cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Oujda and Berkane . Key venues include:
• Stade Larbi Zaouli (Casablanca – 30 000 capacity)
• Stade Père Jégo (Casablanca – 10 000)
• El Bachir Stadium (Mohammedia – 15 000)
• Honour Stadium d’Oujda (19 800)
• Berkane Municipal Stadium (12 000)
• Olympic Stadium, Rabat (21 000)  .
Growth and Depth in South African Squad
Dr Ellis highlighted the squad’s evolving makeup, blending seasoned campaigners with promising newcomers: “We tried to get the mix right. … Some are new, and some are not new to international football. Some went to the CAF Champions League and some played in the U‑17 National team” . This strategy reflects a thoughtful transition and investment in youth, aimed at securing long‑term success.
Sasol’s Support and National Pride
Sasol Senior Manager for Brand and Sponsorship, Nozipho Mbatha, extended encouragement: “As you step onto the continental stage to defend your title, know that you do so with a nation behind you and with Sasol as the energy behind your passion. We are proud to stand with you.” 
What Lies Ahead
• 26 June – 3 July: Final training block in Casablanca and sports science assessments.
• 3 July: Transfer to Oujda for acclimatisation.
• 5 July: Official WAFCON opening ceremony in Rabat.
• 7 July: Banyana face Ghana in Oujda.
• 11 July: Match vs Tanzania in Berkane.
• 14 July: Group finale vs Mali in Oujda.
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