Thembi Kgatlana Missing As Desiree Ellis Names Final Bayana Bayana Squad for WAFCON

• Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has officially named her final squad for the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), trimming the preliminary list from 46 to 28 players
• One of the notable absentees from the squad is Tigress Femenil star Thembi Kgatlana, who is reportedly out of the competition due to personal reasons
• Kgatlana’s absence and Ellis' Bayana Bayana squad sparked different reactions from South Africans on social media

Bayana Bayana manager Dr Desiree Ellis has named her final squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after trimming the preliminary list from 46 to 28 players.

The major absentee in Ellis' list is Thembi Kgatlana, who is reportedly out of the squad due to personal reasons.

Bayana Bayana are placed in Group B alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania and the competition is scheduled to start on July 5, 2025, in Morocco.

Ellis releases final Bayana Bayana squad for WAFCON

The South Africa Football Association released an official statement on their website to confirm the final 28 players that will represent the country in the competition.

"Banyana Banyana head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has cut down her preliminary squad to 28 players as preparations intensify for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco next month," the South African Football Association (SAFA) statement reads.

"Dr. Ellis initially named a provisional group of 46 players last month. Of the 28 selected, 24 will report for camp in Johannesburg on 19 June 2025.

"The remaining four players, who are currently based abroad, will join the squad at a later stage due to ongoing club commitments. Their delayed arrival is also due to the camp beginning outside of the official FIFA international window."

Kgatlana was said to have been left out of the team due to personal reasons striker Hilda Magaia is also still undergoing medical assessments.

Refiloe Jane made the squad alongside Jermaine Seoposenwe and Ronnel Donnely.

Reactions as Kgatlana misses out on Ellis final squad

KB_Ramasimong

"Thembi Kgatlana o kae? Surely there has to be a mistake or she is injured? But she went off in W Champions Cup with no sign of injury?"

PGalatians67 wrote:

"Ahh but this favouritism is not good, has a lot of unfairness why bring back an old holweni she has had her time over Isabella ludwig ??? Desiree will always pick based on favour not real ability."

Thabo reacted:

"Thembi being not there we not going to win wafcon. Her tactics were to kick every ball to Thembi in the last tournaments I have watched with no football played.She is out of depth our coach and she overstayed her tenure."

Meticulous_K added:

"When are you guys replacing Ellis? We cannot have one coach forever, we need new leadership who will bring new things."

Phumzile shared:

"Happy to see Mibe 🙂. What’s happening with Thembi, she’s definitely not injured or she’s not interested in participating? Hmmm…"

Malumz commented:

"Great to see my favourites Cesane, Ramalepe, Mbane and Hilda there in front 👌🏿."

Broos releases final Bafana squad for Int'l friendly

Briefly News also reported that Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos released his final squad for the international friendly against Tanzania and Mozambique.

The Belgian tactician left out all Kaizer Chiefs players that made the preliminary list in his final squad.

Source: Briefly News