Refiloe Jane returns as Desiree Ellis names Banyana squad for friendlies

Jane, who recently made her competitive return with TS Galaxy Queens in the Hollywoodbets Super League following a long-term injury, is back in the fold as South Africa ramp up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 5 - 26 July 2025.

The former AC Milan midfielder last featured for Banyana during the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers against Nigeria in April 2024, before being sidelined by injury, and she now returns to boost Ellis’ midfield options as they face Zambia and Botswana.

The coach has retained the core of her 2022 WAFCON-winning squad, while introducing a few new and returning faces as she continues to build depth ahead of the continental showpiece.

Jessica Williams of the University of Cape Town is a fresh face among the goalkeepers, while Karabo Dhlamini and Bambanani Mbane return in defence following recent injury layoffs.

JVW FC’s Regina Mogolola earns a deserved call-up following her strong domestic form, while Adrielle Mibe and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana earn recalls and young University of Fort Hare duo Renniker Khoza and Michelle Sampson are included as promising options.

JVW FC’s Bonolo Mokoma also features among the attacking options after a strong start to the season, with Thembi Kgatlana absent through injury.

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Full 24-player Banyana squad:

Goalkeepers: Kaylin SWART, Casey GORDON (both JVW FC), Andile DLAMINI (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Jessica WILLIAMS (University of Cape Town)

Defenders: Lebohang RAMALEPE, Tiisetso MAKHUBELA, Karabo DHLAMINI, Bambanani MBANE (all Sundowns Ladies), Fikile MAGAMA (University of the Western Cape), Gabriela SALGADO (JVW), Shakira O’MALLEY (Western Michigan University, USA)

Midfielders: Refiloe JANE (TS Galaxy Queens), Bongeka GAMEDE (Nordsjælland, Denmark), Linda MOTLHALO (Glasgow City, Scotland), Nonhlanhla MTHANDI (Sundowns Ladies), Amogelang MOTAU (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Regina MOGOLOLA (JVW)

Forwards: Adrielle MIBE (University of Johannesburg), Hildah MAGAIA (Club Tijuana, Mexico), Jermaine SEOPOSENWE (CF Monterrey, Mexico), Bonolo MOKOMA (JVW), Kgaelebane MOHLAKOANA (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Renniker KHOZA, Michelle SAMPSON (both University of Fort Hare)