Thembi Kgatlana ruled out of Banyana Banyana WAFCON squad

Thembi Kgatlana. Photo credit: Banyana Banyana/X

In a big blow to Banyana Banyana's title defence, star attacker Thembi Kgatlana has declared herself unavailable for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco next month.

Her decision, attributed to personal reasons, has sent shockwaves through the South African football community, raising concerns about Banyana's prospects in the continent’s premier women’s tournament.

Kgatlana's absence was confirmed by Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis, who excluded the Tigres UANL Femenil striker from the preliminary 28-woman squad announced on Sunday.

A statement from the South African Football Association (SAFA) further clarified that Kgatlana will not be considered for the final team travelling to Morocco.

Kgatlana has been an important figure for the SA Women's National Team for nearly a decade. She made her mark as a teenager at the 2016 Rio Olympics and ascended in 2018, earning Player of the Tournament and top goal scorer honours at the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Her international career highlights include becoming the first South African to score at a FIFA Women’s World Cup (2019) and netting the decisive winning goal against Italy at the 2023 World Cup, securing Banyana Banyana's historic progression to the knockout stage.

With an impressive tally of 31 goals in 82 appearances for the national side and exceptional club form with 14 goals for Tigres UANL last season, Kgatlana's departure leaves a considerable void.

The reigning African champions, Banyana Banyana, are drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania for the WAFCON event, which runs from July 5-26.

Coach Desiree Ellis has announced a preliminary 28-player squad for Banyana Banyana, set to gather in Johannesburg for an intensive training camp beginning on June 19.

From this initial group, 24 players will proceed with tournament preparations, with Kgatlana a notable absence. Adding to the concerns is the fitness of Hildah Magaia, another key figure from the 2023 squad, who will join the team once she completes medical assessments.

Banyana Banyana's final 23-player squad will be named on June 23, just before the team departs for Oujda, Morocco, their base for the group stage.

The defending champions will compete in Group C of the WAFCON tournament. Their campaign kicks off on July 7, 2025, against Ghana at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, which will serve as their base throughout the group stage.

Ellis' troops will then face Tanzania on July 11, followed by a clash with Mali on July 14.