Desiree Ellis recalls Kgatlana for high-stakes Japan double-header

Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has bolstered her squad with the return of key overseas-based talent as South Africa prepares for a formidable test against world number five, Japan, in Osaka next month.

Ellis on Thursday named a 23-player contingency for the back-to-back international friendlies, headlined by the return of star forward Thembi Kgatlana and defender Bongeka Gamede. The duo missed the recent Algeria camp due to injury, but are back in the fold for the fixtures on 6 June at Nagai Ballgame Field and 9 June at J-Green Sakai.

However, the squad is not without its casualties. Experienced defender Lebohang Ramalepe will miss the trip due to academic commitments, while the trio of Amogelang Motau, Hilda Magaia, and Shakira O’Malley remain sidelined through injury.

“It is unfortunate to have those players not available, but it’s also good to see the return of Thembi and Bongeka,” Desiree Ellis said. “It’s been difficult to select players outside the previous camps, so I am grateful that the league’s new format will give us a chance to monitor and assess players in one place.”

Sasol Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a squad of 23 players to face Japan in two matches: Sat, 6 June (Nagai Ballgame Field), Tues, 9 June at J-Green Sakai, Osaka#banyanaBanyana#sasolinsport@adidas @StandardBankZA pic.twitter.com/GlsSuqzrHC

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) May 14, 2026

Thembi Kgatlana Returns as Desiree Ellis Names Squad for Japan Test

The clashes serve as critical preparation for the 2022 African Champions as they look toward the rescheduled CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco from 25 July to 16 August.

Facing the current Asian champions in their own backyard is a deliberate move by Desiree Ellis to gauge the team’s tactical discipline against elite opposition.

“Japan will be completely different to Algeria—very possession-based with good movement off the ball. We really have to be on top of our game defensively,” Ellis noted. “As we prepare for WAFCON, these are the types of challenges we want to see what we still need to work on because nothing is perfect yet.”

The squad is expected to assemble in Johannesburg on 31 May before departing for Japan the following day.

Banyana Banyana Schedule in Osaka:

Match 1: Saturday, 6 June – Nagai Ballgame Field

Match 2: Tuesday, 9 June – J-Green Sakai