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South Africa women's national soccer team

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See also: South Africa national soccer team

The South Africa women's national football team, nicknamed Banyana Banyana (The Girls), is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Association.

South Africa
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Banyana Banyana
AssociationSouth African Football Association
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachDesiree Ellis
CaptainRefiloe Jane
Most capsJanine Van Wyk (185)
Top scorerPortia Modise (101)
FIFA codeRSA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 45 Increase 9 (25 August 2023)[1]
Highest45 (August 2023)
Lowest74 (June – September 2005; December 2007)
First international
 South Africa 14–0 Swaziland 
(Johannesburg, South Africa; 30 May 1993)
Biggest win
 South Africa 17–0 Comoros 
(Port Elizabeth, South Africa; 31 July 2019)
Biggest defeat
 China 13–0 South Africa 
(Dalian, China; 7 September 2003)
World Cup
Appearances2 (first in 2019)
Best resultRound of 16 (2023)
Africa Women Cup of Nations
Appearances13 (first in 1995)
Best resultChampions (2022)
Summer Olympics
Appearances2 (first in 2012)
Best result10th (2012)

South African Women competed in two Olympic Games, two FIFA Women's World Cups, and 14 Women's African Cup of Nations, where they were runners up five times before winning once. They've also competed at all 10 COSAFA Women's Championships, where they won seven times, came second twice and finished in fourth place once.

History edit

Banyana Banyana's first official match was held on 30 May 1993 against Swaziland, which they won 14–0. Future Women's AFCON winning coach Desiree Ellis played in that game and scored three of the goals[2]

Their first international match outside of Africa was against China. They played two matches which they lost 8-0 and 13–0 with the latter being the heaviest defeat in their history. The team's first victory over a nation outside of Africa was in 2000, where they beat Scotland by 2–0. This was at the Cyrus Women's Cup.[3]

South Africa's biggest win came in a COSAFA Women's Championship match in Gqeberha on 31 July 2019, when they beat the Comoros 17–0. Captain Refiloe Jane scored 4 of the goals.[4][5]

Olympic Games edit

They qualified for Olympic football for the first time in 2012, with coach Joseph Mkhonza.[6] Their second Olympic participation was at 2016's Rio Olympics, under coach Vera Pauw.

Women's Africa Cup of Nations edit

Banyana appeared in 14 CAF Women's Championships (Now known as Women's AFCON) and were runners up on five occasions (1995, 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018) and third at two events (2006 and 2010), before eventually winning their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, beating Morocco 2–1 in the final.[7]

FIFA Women's World Cup edit

Coached by Desiree Ellis, they qualified for their first FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019, in Group B with Germany, Spain and China. However, they lost all matches, and their only goal was against Spain when they went to a 1–0 lead only to lose 3–1.

South Africa qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup again in 2023, also coached by Desiree Ellis. During the group stages they lost 2–1 to Sweden after leading 1–0, drew 2–2 against Argentina after leading 2–0, but finally defeated Italy 3–2 and advanced to the Round of 16 for the very first time. They eventually lost 2–0 to the Netherlands.[8]

The top goal scorers at world cups are Thembi Kgatlana with 3, Hildah Magaia with 2, while Linda Motlhalo also scored one. South Africa's other goal was an own goal by Italy in 2023.

COSAFA Women's Championship edit

South Africa competed in all ten COSAFA Women's Championships - a tournament featuring nations from the Southern African region - since its inception in 2002. They have won seven titles (in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020), finished second twice (in 2011 and 2022) and only failed to win a medal once, when they finished fourth in 2021.

In later years, because of South Africa's success and increased participation in bigger world events, management started sending newcomers to COSAFA tournaments, to broaden their talent pool. This contributed to a decline in Banyana Banyana's dominance at this event.[9]

Team image edit

Nicknames edit

The South Africa women's national football team has been known or nicknamed as the "Banyana Banyana", which literally translates to "Girls Girls", but such double use is often interpreted to mean "all the girls". In the context of sport, it is also understood to mean "go girls, go girls".

This name is derived from the Senior Men's National team being "Bafana Bafana" which also literally means "the boys the boys". The nickname came into existence from fans shouting "bafana bafana" to mean "go boys, go boys" as encouragement during the South Africa men's team's first international game after many years of sporting isolation due to Apartheid policies in 1992, when they beat Cameroon 1–0 in Durban. The name stuck, and the female form was later applied to the women's team as well.

Results and fixtures edit

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Legend

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023 edit

15 February Turkish Women's Cup South Africa   v   Turkey Alanya, Turkey
Stadium: Miracle Sport Complex
18 February Turkish Women's Cup South Africa   3–0   Uzbekistan Alanya, Turkey
 Stadium: Goldcity Sport Complex
21 February Turkish Women's Cup South Africa   1–1   Slovenia Alanya, Turkey
 Report
Stadium: Goldcity Sport Complex
10 April Friendly South Africa   2–3   Serbia Stara Pazova, Serbia
13:30
Report
Stadium: Sportski Centar FSS
2 July Friendly South Africa   0–5   Botswana Brakpan, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
Stadium: Tsakane Stadium
Referee: Vistoria Shangula (Namibia)
15 July Friendly South Africa   2–0   Costa Rica Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Thembi Kgatlana   33'
  • Hildah Magaia   55'
 Stadium: Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub
23 July FIFA WC Group Sweden   2–1   South Africa Wellington, New Zealand
17:00 UTC+12
Report
Stadium: Wellington Regional Stadium
Attendance: 18,317
Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva (United States)
28 July FIFA WC Group Argentina   2–2   South Africa Dunedin, New Zealand
 Report
Stadium: Forsyth Barr Stadium
Attendance: 8,834
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (New Zealand)
2 August FIFA WC Group South Africa   3–2   Italy Wellington, New Zealand
 Report Caruso   11' (pen.), 74' Stadium: Wellington Regional Stadium
Attendance: 14,967
Referee: María Carvajal (Chile)
6 August FIFA WC R16 Netherlands   2–0   South Africa Sydney, Australia
 Report Stadium: Sydney Football Stadium
Attendance: 40,233
Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan)
21 September 2023 (2023-09-21) Friendly United States   3–0   South Africa Cincinnati, Ohio
19:30 ET
Stadium: TQL Stadium
Attendance: 22,016
Referee: Katia Garcia (Mexico)
24 September 2023 (2023-09-24) Friendly United States   2–0   South Africa Chicago, Illinois
17:30 ET
Report Stadium: Soldier Field
Attendance: 25,622
Referee: Carly Shaw-MacLaren (Canada)
4 October 2023 (2023-10-04) 2023 COSAFA WC GS South Africa   3–4   Malawi Pretoria, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Referee: Antsino Twanyanyukwa (Namibia)
10 October 2023 (2023-10-10) 2023 COSAFA WC GS South Africa   3–1   Madagascar Johannesburg, South Africa
15:30 UTC+2
Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium
Referee: Vistoria Shangula (Namibia)
10 October 2023 (2023-10-10) 2023 COSAFA WC GS Eswatini   0–3   South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa
15:30 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium
Referee: Rosalie Rosalie (Madagascar)
25 October 2023 (2023-10-25) 2024 Olympic qualifying DR Congo   1–1   South Africa Kinshasa, DR Congo
15:30 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Stade des Martyrs
30 October 2024 Olympic qualifying South Africa   2–0
(3–1 agg.)		   DR Congo Pretoria, South Africa
Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Note: South Africa won 3–1 on aggregate
30 November 2023 (2023-11-30) 2024 AFWCON qualification Second round 1st leg Burkina Faso   1–1   South Africa Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
17:00 UTC+1
Report (SAFA)
Stadium: Charles Konan Banny Stadium
4 December 2023 (2023-12-04) 2024 AFWCON qualification Second round 2nd leg South Africa   2–0
(3–1 agg.)		   Burkina Faso Pretoria, South Africa
15:00 UTC+1 Report (SAFA) Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Note: South Africa won 3–1 on aggregate.

2024 edit

February 2024 (2024-02) 2024 Olympic qualifying Tanzania   v   South Africa
February 2024 (2024-02) 2024 Olympic qualifying South Africa   v   Tanzania

Source: Global Sports Archive

Coaching staff edit

Current coaching staff edit

Position Name Ref.
Head coach   Desiree Ellis
Assistant coach   Thinasonke Mbuli
Goalkeeper Coach   Cameron Cox
Performance Analyst   Shilene Booysen
Physical Trainer   Ridhaa Allie

Technical staff

Role Name Start date
General Manager   Lauren Duncan January 2016

Manager history edit

See also: Category:South Africa women's national soccer team managers

Players edit

See also: Category:South Africa women's international soccer players and Category:South African women's soccer players

Current squad edit

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Kaylin Swart (1994-09-30) 30 September 1994 (age 29) 36 0   JVW
16 1GK Andile Dlamini (1992-09-02) 2 September 1992 (age 31) 69 0   Mamelodi Sundowns
21 1GK Katlego Moletsane (1999-09-03) 3 September 1999 (age 24) 1 0   Royal AM
7 2DF Karabo Dhlamini (2001-09-18) 18 September 2001 (age 22) 24 1   Mamelodi Sundowns
5 2DF Fikile Magama (2002-01-19) 19 January 2002 (age 21) 8 0   UWC
2DF Faith Nokuthula (2000-06-24) 24 June 2000 (age 23)   Blackburn Rovers
4 2DF Janine van Wyk   JVW
2 2DF Lebohang Ramalepe (1991-12-03) 3 December 1991 (age 32) 91 4   Dinamo Minsk
19 2DF Lonathemba Mhlongo (2002-08-23) 23 August 2002 (age 21)   UWC
4 2DF Noko Matlou (1985-09-30) 30 September 1985 (age 38) 168 66   Eibar
2DF Asanda Hadebe (2006-11-28) 28 November 2006 (age 17)   Sunflower WFC
10 3MF Linda Motlhalo (1998-07-01) 1 July 1998 (age 25) 68 19   Glasgow City
19 3MF Kholosa Biyana (1994-09-06) 6 September 1994 (age 29) 38 2   Mamelodi Sundowns
3MF S'phumelele Shamase (2002-01-16) 16 January 2002 (age 21)   UJ
3MF Amogelang Motau (1997-02-27) 27 February 1997 (age 26)   UWC
3MF Thubelihle Shamase (2002-01-16) 16 January 2002 (age 21)   UJ
10 4FW Nicole Michael (2001-01-17)17 January 2001 (aged 22)   TS Galaxy
9 4FW Gabriela Salgado (1998-02-20) 20 February 1998 (age 25) 28 7   JVW
18 4FW Samkelisiwe Selana (2004-07-07)7 July 2004 (aged 19)   TS Galaxy
12 4FW Jermaine Seoposenwe (1993-10-12) 12 October 1993 (age 30) 94 20   Monterrey
6 4FW Noxolo Cesane (2000-10-11) 11 October 2000 (age 23) 31 4   UWC
23 4FW Wendy Shongwe (2003-01-18) 18 January 2003 (age 20) 1 0   University of Pretoria
8 4FW Hildah Magaia (1994-12-16) 16 December 1994 (age 28) 30 19   Sejong Sportstoto
11 4FW Thembi Kgatlana (1996-05-02) 2 May 1996 (age 27) 71 24   Racing Louisville

Recent call ups edit

  • The following players have been called up to a South Africa squad in the past 12 months.
Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Regirl Ngobeni (1996-02-26) 26 February 1996 (age 27)   UWC v.   Serbia, 10 April 2023
GK Victoria Tshidi Muroa (1995-03-03)3 March 1995 (aged 28)   TUT 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
GK Dineo Magagula (1994-10-14) 14 October 1994 (age 29)   UJ 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
GK Kebotseng Moletsane (1995-03-03) 3 March 1995 (age 28) 1 0   Bloemfontein Celtic 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Karabo Makhurubetshi (1999-02-03) 3 February 1999 (age 24)   Mamelodi Sundowns 2023 Turkish Women's Cup
DF Cimone Sauls (2004-09-30) 30 September 2004 (age 19)   JVW v.   Australia, 8 October 2022
DF Thato Letsoso (1996-08-24) 24 August 1996 (age 27)   TUT v.   Australia, 8 October 2022
DF Cynthia Makete (2001-05-21) 21 May 2001 (age 22)   Bloemfontein Celtic v.   Australia, 8 October 2022
DF Bambanani Mbane (1990-03-12) 12 March 1990 (age 33) 81 4   Mamelodi Sundowns 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
DF Morongwa Manemela (2000-04-12)12 April 2000 (aged 23)   TUKS 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Ntombifikile Ndlovu (1998-07-23)23 July 1998 (aged 25)   UWC Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Unathi Simayile (2001-02-08)8 February 2001 (aged 22)   UWC Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Raesetja Mogale (1990-04-12)12 April 1990 (aged 33)   Royal AM Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Khensani Nkuna (1998-03-23)23 March 1998 (aged 25)   Royal AM Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Boitumelo Rasehlo (1998-10-18)18 October 1998 (aged 24)   JVW v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023
DF Asanda Hadebe (2003-10-13)13 October 2003 (aged 19)   Sunflowers v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023
DF Tiisetso Makhubela (1997-04-24) 24 April 1997 (age 26) 24 2   Mamelodi Sundowns v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023
DF Bongeka Gamede (1999-05-22) 22 May 1999 (age 24) 25 0   UWC v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023
MF Refiloe Jane (1992-08-04) 4 August 1992 (age 31) 134 16   Sassuolo 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
MF Sibulele Holweni (2001-04-28) 28 April 2001 (age 22) 31 16   UWC v.   United States,24 September 2023
MF Robyn Moodaly (1994-06-16) 16 June 1994 (age 29) 42 2   JVW v.   United States,24 September 2023
MF Sinoxolo Cesane (2000-10-11) 11 October 2000 (age 23) 0 0   East Tennessee State Buccaneers v.   United States,24 September 2023
MF Thalea Smidt (1997-12-27) 27 December 1997 (age 25)   Mamelodi Sundowns 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
MF Nomfundo Buthelezi (1999-02-20)20 February 1999 (aged 24)   Durban Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
MF Nomvula Kgoale (1995-11-20) 20 November 1995 (age 28) 21 5   TS Galaxy v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023
MF Ayesha Moosa (2003-10-30)30 October 2003 (aged 19)   UJ v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023
FW Nthabiseng Majiya (2004-06-10) 10 June 2004 (age 19)   Richmond Ladies v.   Serbia, 10 April 2023
FW Lelona Daweti (1999-09-08) 8 September 1999 (age 24)   Mamelodi Sundowns v.   Serbia, 10 April 2023
FW Tshogofatso Motlogelwa (2000-04-29)29 April 2000 (aged 23)   TUT 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
FW Jade Jones   Magic Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
FW Chelsea Daniels (2002-04-08)8 April 2002 (aged 21)   UWC Ladies 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
FW Lizza Mokoena (1997-04-08)8 April 1997 (aged 26)   TUT 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship
FW Melinda Kgadiete (1992-07-21) 21 July 1992 (age 31) 26 3   Mamelodi Sundowns v.   DR Congo, 30 October 2023

Previous squads edit

FIFA Women's World Cup
Summer Olympics
Africa Women Cup of Nations
COSAFA Women's Championship
Turkish Women's Cup

Records edit

See also: Category:South Africa women's international soccer players
  • Active players in bold, statistics correct as of 2020.

Honours edit

Continental edit

  Champions: 2022
  Runners-up: 1995, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018
  Third place: 2006, 2010
  Runners-up: 2003, 2007

Regional edit

  Champions: 2002, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
  Runners-up: 2011


Competitive record edit

FIFA Women's World Cup edit

Main article: South Africa at the FIFA Women's World Cup
FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA GD
  1991 Did not enter
  1995 Did not qualify
  1999
  2003
  2007
  2011
  2015
  2019 Group stage 3 0 0 3 1 8 −7
   2023 Round of 16 4 1 1 2 6 8 −2
Total 2/9 7 1 1 5 7 16 −9
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
FIFA Women's World Cup history
Year Round Date Opponent Result Stadium
  2019 Group stage 8 June   Spain L 1–3 Stade Océane, Le Havre
13 June   China L 0–1 Parc des Princes, Paris
17 June   Germany L 0–4 Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
   2023 Group Stage 23 July   Sweden L 1–2 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
28 July   Argentina D 2–2 Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
2 August   Italy W 3–2 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Round of 16 6 August   Netherlands L 0–2 Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Olympic Games edit

Summer Olympics record
Year Result Pld W D* L GS GA GD
  1996 Did not qualify
  2000
  2004
  2008
  2012 Group stage 3 0 1 2 1 7 −6
  2016 Group stage 3 0 1 2 0 3 −3
  2020 Did not qualify
Total 2/7 6 0 2 4 1 10 −9
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Africa Women Cup of Nations edit

Africa Women Cup of Nations record
Year Round Pld W D* L GS GA GD
1991 Banned
1995 Runners up 6 3 1 2 19 20 −1
  1998 Group stage 2 0 0 2 2 7 −5
  2000 Runners-up 5 4 0 1 9 3 +6
  2002 Fourth place 5 2 1 2 6 11 −5
  2004 Group stage 3 0 0 3 2 7 −5
  2006 Third place 5 2 1 2 8 5 +3
  2008 Runners-up 5 3 0 2 7 4 +3
  2010 Third place 5 3 1 1 10 6 +4
  2012 Runners-up 5 3 0 2 6 6 0
  2014 Fourth place 5 1 1 3 7 6 +1
  2016 Fourth place 5 1 1 3 5 3 +2
  2018 Runners-up 5 3 2 0 11 2 +9
  2020 Cancelled due to Covid
  2022 Champions 6 6 0 0 10 3 +7
Total Champions: 1 time 62 31 8 23 102 83 +19
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

African Games edit

African Games record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA
  2003 Runner- up 5 4 0 1 12 3
  2007 Runner- up 4 2 1 1 7 7
  2011 Fourth 4th 5 1 2 2 8 10
  2015 5th 2 0 2 0 1 1
  2019 7th 2 0 0 2 0 4
  2023 TBD
Total 5/5 18 7 5 6 28 25

COSAFA Women's Championship edit

COSAFA Women's Championship record
Year Round Pld W D* L GS GA GD
  2002 Winner 5 5 0 0 36 2 +34
  2006 Winner 4 4 0 0 19 2 +17
  2008 Winner
  2011 Runner-up 5 4 0 1 14 3 +11
  2017 Winner 5 3 2 0 12 3 +9
  2018 Winner 5 5 0 0 13 2 +11
  2019 Winner 5 5 0 0 27 2 +25
  2020 Winner 5 5 0 0 22 3 +19
  2021 4th 5 2 2 1 8 6 +2
  2023 Group stage 3 2 0 1 9 5 +4
Total Winner 42 35 3 4 160 28 +132
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

All−time record against FIFA recognized nations edit

The list shown below shows the women's South Africa national soccer team's all−time international record against opposing nations.
*As of xxxxxx after match against xxxx.

Key
  Positive balance (more wins than losses)
  Neutral balance (as many wins as losses)
  Negative balance (more losses than wins)
Against Pld W D L GF GA GD Confederation

Record per opponent edit

*As ofxxxxx after match against xxxxx.

Key
  Positive balance (more wins than losses)
  Neutral balance (as many wins as losses)
  Negative balance (more losses than wins)

The following table shows South Africa's all-time official international record per opponent:

Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD W% Confederation
Total —

See also edit

National teams

References edit

  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  2. ^ "Desiree Ellis: How a trailblazing coach lifted S African football". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Reflecting on Banyana Banyana". SAFA Official Website. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Record breaking Banyana thrash Comoros 17-0 in opening COSAFA clash". News24. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Africa's World Cup women raise unfair pay and sexual abuse – DW – 07/18/2023". dw.com. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Banyana secure historic passage to London". FIFA. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  7. ^ "How South Africa finally won its first Africa Women Cup of Nations title". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Banyana Banyana Qualifies for the Knockouts". News24. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Dludlu To Lead Banyana At COSAFA Cup, Calls Up New-Look Squad". iDiski Times. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  10. ^ a b c "Amajita's success shows we are on the right track – SAFA President". South African Football Association. 13 February 2019.
  11. ^ "New look Banyana squad named". Sport24. 17 September 2002.
  12. ^ "Winds of change blow in Africa". FIFA. 31 March 2006. Archived from the original on 5 March 2017.
  13. ^ Mailwane, Tshepang (3 May 2015). "Soccer heroes of '96 now shout the odds from touchlines". Sunday Times. Augustine Makalakalane: Not a regular at Bafana, "Mthakathi" worked as Banyana Banyana coach from 2006 to 2011. He failed to qualify the team for the World Cup and was fired. The 49-year-old was suspended before his dismissal for allegedly sexually harassing his players.
  14. ^ Moholoa, Ramatsiyi (28 July 2011). "Safa signs up Mkhonza full-time". The Sowetan.
  15. ^ "Former Banyana Coach Ends SAFA Relationship". Soccer Laduma. 8 October 2014.
  16. ^ "SAFA Confirm Pauw Appointment". Soccer Laduma. 13 March 2014.
  17. ^ Roberts, Cheryl (20 September 2016). "Safa should go local with new Banyana coach". Independent Online.
  18. ^ "Desiree Ellis named new Banyana coach". Sport24. 22 February 2018.
  19. ^ South Africa 🇿🇦 squad to play Burkina Faso

External links edit

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