After their first Women’s World Cup in 2019, South Africa are back and determined to leave a historic mark on this summer. Not making it out of the group stage last World Cup – or winning any games at all – South Africa will be looking for redemption. A big difference this year, is that they have the achievement of being African champions on their back.
South Africa’s group G
South Africa are in group G with Sweden, Argentina and Italy. Sweden are arguably the strongest team in this group – especially based on experience. They came in third place at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and second in the Tokyo Olympics. They’ll have strong ambition to reach that top spot on the podium. Argentina have made their goal clear – to reach the round of sixteen for the first time in history. Italy are back again, after 2019 was their first Women’s World Cup since 1999. They’ll be raring to go with an ambition to prove themselves again.
Head Coach
Desiree Ellis led South Africa to their first title last year. Aiming to make history, she’s made it clear that being the first coach to lead the South Africa to a Women’s World Cup is just the beginning. Despite knowing it won’t be easy as standards across the world have been raised for every team, they have high expectations now going into the World Cup as African champions. The squad is made up with majority of players from the successful WAFCON tournament, meaning that most players have a taste of winning already.
The final 23
Players Nthabiseng Majiya, Amogelang Motau and Regirl Ngobeni have been named as reserves. Neither Thalea Smidt and Lelona Daweti have been included in the squad. Star player Hildah Magaia has been named in the squad – she had a standout moment during the WAFCON final, scoring both goals in their 2-1 win.
Breaking News 📰⚽️
Ellis names FINAL Banyana Banyana squad for the 2023 @FIFAWWC 🏆
💚💛🇿🇦#LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/jXEzzdmwzP
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 23, 2023
Key Players to watch this summer
Jermaine Seoposenwe had her two-year absence from national duty ended at WAFCON 2022. Following Thembi Kgatlana’s injury, she was given the main forward role, and proved herself to be the right choice, scoring twice during the tournament and getting an assist in the final. A versatile player, the forward recently had a starring moment when she scored only nine seconds into a match – making it the fastest goal scored in Mexican women’s football!
Being co-captain at WAFCON 2022, Refiloe Jane will be well prepared for this summer. After this summer, she will be the only player to have played in all Banyana Banyana’s major tournaments. This includes FIFAs Women’s World Cup 2019 in France. With the ability to score from long-range, the midfielder will be looking to show off her technical ability this summer with the hopes of helping her team win the Women’s World Cup.
So, with all of this considered, South Africa are shaping up to look like a dangerous team on the pitch this summer.
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