Desiree Ellis names 23-player Banyana Banyana squad for Japan friendlies
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has officially confirmed her 23-player squad that will travel to Osaka, Japan, for two high-profile international friendlies against the world’s fifth-ranked team.
In the first clash, the two nations will lock horns on Saturday, 6 June at Nagai Ballgame Field, with the second scheduled for Tuesday, 9 June at J-Green Sakai, also in Osaka.
The matches will provide South Africa with a stern test against elite opposition. Ellis emphasized the importance of these fixtures, noting that they offer invaluable international exposure and a chance to sharpen the team’s competitive edge ahead of major tournaments.
These friendlies form part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which has been postponed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to run from 25 July to 16 August 2026 in Morocco. Originally scheduled for March, the tournament was delayed due to logistical challenges, leaving teams scrambling to adjust their build-up plans.
Ellis’s squad announcement reflects a balance of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, ensuring depth and adaptability. Facing Japan, renowned for their technical precision and tactical discipline, will demand resilience and focus from Banyana Banyana.
With the WAFCON rescheduled, these friendlies are more than just warm-ups — they are a crucial step in South Africa’s journey to prepare for continental competition and prove their progress on the global stage.
