Gugu Dhlamini during Banyana Banyana Training. BackpagePix
A dynamic new wave of talent is set to take centre stage as Banyana Banyana prepare for a crucial friendly match against Lesotho on Saturday at UJ Soweto Campus at 1pm.
This young squad, largely composed of the players who narrowly missed the title at last year's COSAFA Women’s Championships, is determined to make a lasting impression on the senior team and secure their places for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in July 2025.
Among these rising stars is Mamelodi Sundowns defender Katlego Malebana, who is keen to showcase her skills and leadership on the pitch.
Reflecting on her journey from captaincy in the U15s and U17s to her current role in the senior team, she expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity.
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2 days to Match day 💛#BanyanaBanyana #LivetheImpossible#Notdoneyet#volkswagensa pic.twitter.com/VVvzQVBiKE
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for us young players to showcase our talent,” she said, underlining the importance of hard work and determination to secure a spot in the Wafcon squad.
The upcoming friendlies against Lesotho pose a unique challenge, but Malebana is ready to rise to the occasion.
“I just want to test myself at the senior level. I’m excited for the game as it will help me gauge my performance and where I stand,” she noted.
The Banyana squad will be looking to continue their unbeaten record against Lesotho and use this match as a springboard to build momentum heading towards July.
The last time these two nations met, Banyana streaked to a heavy 6-0 defeat in 2018.
Banyana are ranked second on the continent with their next opponents and neighbours Lesotho not even in the top 20.
Ordinarily it would be expected that the South Africans would stroll to victory but with a new and young group, the match has gathered interest.
As the team gears up for this encounter, Malebana acknowledges the physicality of their opponents, recognising that the clash will test the mettle of the younger players.
However, her perspective is clear: “We just need to play our football and believe in ourselves.”
Come support Banyana Banyana 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 vs 🇱![CDATA[]]>🇸 Lesotho in an international friendly at UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday. Entry is free #LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/zuVeLd2DAo
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“I think the game is going to help me a lot. Obviously I would like to win. Because as the ranking says, we have never lost against Lesotho. So we want to stay at that level. So I think as a team we want to win and be able to learn as much as possible. I mean they're a very physical team as we are young players.
This blend of youthful exuberance and determination could pave the way for a bright future for the South African women’s national team.
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations represents a pinnacle moment for African women’s football, and Banyana Banyana are keen to build on their previous successes.
With the tournament set to take place in Morocco from 5 – 26 July 2025, the young players are eager to leave their mark, proving they are more than capable of stepping into the shoes of the seasoned giants before them.