South Africa women's national soccer team

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South Africa
Flag of South Africa (Pantone).svg
Nickname(s) Banyana Banyana
Association South African Football Association
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Desiree Ellis
Captain Refiloe Jane
Most caps Janine Van Wyk (185)
Top scorer Portia Modise (101)
FIFA code RSA
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Kit body rsa23h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm rsa23h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm rsa23f.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body rsa23f.png
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Kit right arm rsa23f.png
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Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 50 Increase2.svg 1 (16 August 2024) [1]
Highest45 (August 2023)
Lowest74 (June – September 2005; December 2007)
First international
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg  South Africa 9–0 Eswatini  Flag of Eswatini.svg
(Johannesburg, South Africa; 30 May 1993)
Biggest win
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 17–0 Comoros  Flag of the Comoros.svg
(Port Elizabeth, South Africa; 31 July 2019)
Biggest defeat
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China 13–0 South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg
(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)
COSAFA Women's Championship
Appearances10 (first in 2002)
Best resultChampions (2002, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)
Website https://www.safa.net/

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.

Contents

South Africa 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 also competed at all 10 COSAFA Women's Championships, where they won seven times, came second twice and finished in fourth place once.

History

Banyana Banyana's first official match was held on 30 May 1993 against Eswatini, 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

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

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

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] Following the team's performance, Desiree Ellis would win the 2023 award for CAF Women's Coach of the Year. [9]

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

South Africa competed in all eleven 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 twice, when they finished fourth in 2021 and exited in the group stages 2023. [10]

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. [11]

Team image

Nicknames

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.

Banyana Banyana starting XI at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Equipe sud africaine.jpg
Banyana Banyana starting XI at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Results and fixtures

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

30 October 2024 Olympic qualifying South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg2–0
(3–1 agg.)
Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  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  Flag of Burkina Faso.svg 1–1 Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
17:00  UTC+1
  • Konaté Soccerball shade.svg68'
Report (SAFA)
Stadium: Charles Konan Banny Stadium
4 December 2023 (2023-12-04) 2024 AFWCON qualification Second round 2nd leg South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg 2–0
(3–1 agg.)
Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso Pretoria, South Africa
15:00  UTC+1
Report (SAFA) Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Note: South Africa won 3–1 on aggregate.

2024

23 February 2024 (2024-02-23) 2024 Olympic qualifying Tanzania  Flag of Tanzania.svg0–3Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Dar es Salaam,Tanzania
Stadium: Azam Complex Stadium
27 February 2024 (2024-02-27) 2024 Olympic qualifying South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg1–0
(4–0 agg.)
Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania Mbombela,South Africa
Stadium: Mbombela Stadium
Note: South Africa won 4–0 on aggregate.
5 April 2024 (2024-04-05) 2024 Olympic qualifying Nigeria  Flag of Nigeria.svg1–0Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Abuja,Nigeria
17:00  UTC+1 Report Stadium: MKO Abiola Stadium
Referee: Ghada Mehat (Algeria)
9 April 2024 (2024-04-09) 2024 Olympic qualifying South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg0–0
(0–1 agg.)
Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria Pretoria ,South Africa
19:30  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Referee: Dorsaf Ganouati (Tunisia)
Note: Nigeria won 1–0 on aggregate.
22 October 2024 (2024-10-22) 2024 COSAFA WC GS South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg 1–0 Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia Gqeberha, South Africa
17:00  UTC+2 Motlogelwa Soccerball shade.svg84' Report Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Referee: Thanks Nyahuye (Zimbabwe)
25 October 2024 (2024-10-25) 2024 COSAFA WC GS South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg 3–0 Flag of Eswatini.svg  Eswatini Ibhayi, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
Referee: Antsino Twanyanyukwa (Namibia)
25 October Friendly Denmark  Flag of Denmark.svg5–0Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Aalborg, Denmark
18:00  UTC+1
Stadium: Aalborg Stadium
28 October 2024 (2024-10-28) 2024 COSAFA WC GS South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg 8–1 Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Madibaz Stadium
Referee: Grace Gimo (Zimbabwe)
29 October Friendly England  Flag of England.svg2–1Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Coventry, England
Stadium: Coventry Arena
31 October 2024 (2024-10-31) 2024 COSAFA WC SF South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg 1–1
(4–1 p)
Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique Ibhayi, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2 Motlogelwa Soccerball shade.svg45+4' (pen.) Report Célia Soccerball shade.svg34'Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
Referee: Mercy Mayimbo (Zimbabwe)
Penalties
29 November Friendly Jamaica  Flag of Jamaica.svgvFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Montego Bay, Jamaica
2 December Friendly Jamaica  Flag of Jamaica.svgvFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Montego Bay, Jamaica

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff

PositionNameRef.
Head coach Flag of South Africa.svg Desiree Ellis
Assistant coach Flag of South Africa.svg Thinasonke Mbuli
Goalkeeper Coach Flag of South Africa.svg Cameron Cox
Performance Analyst Flag of South Africa.svg Shilene Booysen
Physical Trainer Flag of South Africa.svg Ridhaa Allie
Kit Manager Flag of South Africa.svg Evah Mokwape

Technical staff

RoleNameStart date
General Manager Flag of South Africa.svg Lauren Duncan January 2016

Manager history


All-time Banyana Banyana coaching records
CoachNat.TenureGamesWinLossDrawWin %
Sandile Bali [12] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 1995
Nomaluno Mooi [12] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 1998
Fran Hilton-Smith [12] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 2000
Greg Mashilo [13] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 20022004
August Makalakalane [14] [15] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 20062011
Joseph Mkhonza [16] [17] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 20112014
Vera Pauw [18] [19] Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 20142016
Desiree Ellis [20] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 2016 – present

Players

Current squad

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Kaylin Swart (1994-09-30) 30 September 1994 (age 30)360 Flag of South Africa.svg JVW
1 GK Dineo Magagula (1994-10-14) 14 October 1994 (age 30) Flag of South Africa.svg TS Galaxy Queens
1 GK Andile Dlamini (1992-09-02) 2 September 1992 (age 32)690 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns

22 DF Asanda Hadebe (2003-10-13)13 October 2003 (aged 19) Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
32 DF Shannon Macomo 0 Flag of South Africa.svg UJ
72 DF Karabo Dhlamini (2001-09-18) 18 September 2001 (age 23)241 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
52 DF Fikile Magama (2002-01-19) 19 January 2002 (age 22)80 Flag of South Africa.svg UWC
142 DF Tiisetso Makhubela (1997-04-24) 24 April 1997 (age 27)242 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
192 DF Lonathemba Mhlongo (2002-08-23) 23 August 2002 (age 22) Flag of South Africa.svg UWC
132 DF Bambanani Mbane (1990-03-12) 12 March 1990 (age 34)814 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
22 DF Lebohang Ramalepe (1991-12-03) 3 December 1991 (age 32)914 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns

103 MF Linda Motlhalo (1998-07-01) 1 July 1998 (age 26)6819 Flag of the United States.svg Racing Louisville
43 MF Nonhlanhla Mthandi (1995-08-19) 19 August 1995 (age 29)60 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
173 MF Nondumiso Manengela Flag of South Africa.svg
193 MF Kholosa Biyana (1994-09-06) 6 September 1994 (age 30)382 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
3 MF Amogelang Motau (1997-02-27) 27 February 1997 (age 27) Flag of South Africa.svg UWC

4 FW Thembi Kgatlana (1996-05-02) 2 May 1996 (age 28)7124 Flag of Mexico.svg UANL
4 FW Thubelihle Shamase (2002-01-16) 16 January 2002 (age 22) Flag of Lithuania.svg FC Gintra
104 FW Nicole Lauren Michael (2001-01-17)17 January 2001 (aged 22)11 Flag of South Africa.svg TS Galaxy Queens
64 FW Noxolo Cesane (2000-10-11) 11 October 2000 (age 24)314 Flag of South Africa.svg UWC
154 FW Sinoxolo Cesane (2000-10-11) 11 October 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Mexico.svg Mazatlán
64 FW Hildah Magaia Flag of South Africa.svg
4 FW Nthabiseng Majiya (2004-06-10) 10 June 2004 (age 20) Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns

Recent call ups

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Regirl Ngobeni (1996-02-26) 26 February 1996 (age 28)0 Flag of South Africa.svg UWC v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 1 April 2024PRE
GK Katlego Moletsane (1995-03-03) 3 March 1995 (age 29)0 Flag of South Africa.svg Royal AM v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024

DF Noko Matlou (1985-09-30) 30 September 1985 (age 39)16866 Flag of Spain.svg Eibar v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024
DF Boitumelo Rasehlo (1998-10-18)18 October 1998 (aged 24) Flag of South Africa.svg JVW v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 1 April 2024PRE
DF Asanda Hadebe (2006-11-28) 28 November 2006 (age 17) Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 1 April 2024PRE
DF Faith Nokuthula (2000-06-24) 24 June 2000 (age 24) Flag of England.svg Blackburn Rovers v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso, 4 December 2023
DF Janine van Wyk (1987-04-17) 17 April 1987 (age 37)18512 Flag of South Africa.svg JVW v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso, 4 December 2023
DF Asanda Hadebe (2003-10-13)13 October 2003 (aged 19) Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024
DF Shannon Macomo 0 Flag of South Africa.svg UJ v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024

MF Refiloe Jane (1992-08-04) 4 August 1992 (age 32)13416 Flag of Italy.svg Sassuolo v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024
MF Nomvula Kgoale (1995-11-20) 20 November 1995 (age 29)215 Flag of South Africa.svg TS Galaxy Queens v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024
MF Samkelisiwe Selana (2004-07-07)7 July 2004 (aged 19) Flag of South Africa.svg TS Galaxy Queens v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 1 April 2024PRE
MF Lesego Nkoane 10 Flag of South Africa.svg TS Galaxy Queens v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 1 April 2024PRE
MF Thalea Smidt (1997-12-27) 27 December 1997 (age 26) Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns v. Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania, 27 February 2024
MF Ayesha Moosa (2003-10-30)30 October 2003 (aged 19) Flag of South Africa.svg UJ v. Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  DR Congo, 30 October 2023
MF Mmabatho Mogale Flag of South Africa.svg JVW v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024

FW Gabriela Salgado (1998-02-20) 20 February 1998 (age 26)287 Flag of South Africa.svg JVW v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024
FW Jermaine Seoposenwe (1993-10-12) 12 October 1993 (age 31)9420 Flag of Mexico.svg Monterrey v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024
FW Wendy Shongwe (2003-01-18) 18 January 2003 (age 21)10 Flag of South Africa.svg University of Pretoria v. Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso, 4 December 2023
FW Melinda Kgadiete (1992-07-21) 21 July 1992 (age 32)263 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns v. Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  DR Congo, 30 October 2023
FW Ayesha Moosa Flag of South Africa.svg UJ v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria, 9 April 2024

Previous squads

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

Records


Honours

Continental

Regional


Competitive record

FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup record
YearResultPldWD*LGFGAGD
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 1991 Did not enter
Flag of Sweden.svg 1995 Did not qualify
Flag of the United States.svg 1999
Flag of the United States.svg 2003
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2007
Flag of Germany.svg 2011
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 2015
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 2019 Group stage300318−7
Flag of Australia (converted).svg
Flag of New Zealand.svg 2023
Round of 16411268−2
Flag of Brazil.svg 2027 To be determined
Total2/97115716−9
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
FIFA Women's World Cup history
YearRoundDateOpponentResultStadium
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 2019 Group stage8 JuneFlag of Spain.svg  Spain L 1–3 Stade Océane, Le Havre
13 JuneFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China L 0–1 Parc des Princes, Paris
17 JuneFlag of Germany.svg  Germany L 0–4 Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 2023 Group Stage23 JulyFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden L 1–2 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
28 JulyFlag of Argentina.svg  Argentina D 2–2 Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
2 AugustFlag of Italy.svg  Italy W 3–2 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Round of 166 AugustFlag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands L 0–2 Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Olympic Games

Summer Olympics record
YearResultPldWD*LGSGAGD
Flag of the United States.svg 1996 Did not qualify
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2000
Flag of Greece.svg 2004
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2012 Group stage301217−6
Flag of Brazil.svg 2016 Group stage301203−3
Flag of Japan.svg 2020 Did not qualify
Flag of France.svg 2024
Total2/76024110−9
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Africa Women Cup of Nations

Africa Women Cup of Nations record
YearRoundPldWD*LGSGAGD
1991 Banned
1995 Runners-up63121920−1
Flag of Nigeria.svg 1998 Group stage200227−5
Flag of South Africa.svg 2000 Runners-up540193+6
Flag of Nigeria.svg 2002 Fourth place5212611−5
Flag of South Africa.svg 2004 Group stage300327−5
Flag of Nigeria.svg 2006 Third place521285+3
Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2008 Runners-up530274+3
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 Third place5311106+4
Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2012 Runners-up5302660
Flag of Namibia.svg 2014 Fourth place511376+1
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2016 Fourth place511353+2
Flag of Ghana.svg 2018 Runners-up5320112+9
Flag placeholder.svg 2020 Cancelled due to Covid
Flag of Morocco.svg 2022 Champions6600103+7
Flag of Morocco.svg 2024 Qualified
TotalChampions: 1 time623182310283+19
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

African Games

African Games record
YearResultMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGFGA
Flag of Nigeria.svg 2003 Runners- up5401123
Flag of Algeria.svg 2007 Runners- up421177
Flag of Mozambique.svg 2011 Fourth place5122810
Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg 2015 5th202011
Flag of Morocco.svg 2019 7th200204
Flag of Ghana.svg 2023 Did not qualify
Total5/6187562825

COSAFA Women's Championship

COSAFA Women's Championship record
YearRoundPldWD*LGSGAGD
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2002 Champions5500362+34
Flag of Zambia.svg 2006 Champions4400192+17
Flag of Angola.svg 2008 Champions
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2011 Runners-up5401143+11
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2017 Champions5320123+9
Flag of South Africa.svg 2018 Champions5500132+11
Flag of South Africa.svg 2019 Champions5500272+25
Flag of South Africa.svg 2020 Champions5500223+19
Flag of South Africa.svg 2021 Fourth place522186+2
Flag of South Africa.svg 2022 Runners-up531192+7
Flag of South Africa.svg 2023 Group stage320195+4
TotalWinner47384516930+139
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

All−time record against FIFA recognized nations

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)
AgainstPldWDLGFGAGDConfederation

    Record per opponent

    *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:

    OpponentPldWDLGFGAGDW%Confederation
    Total

    See also

    National teams

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    21. [httpshttps://x.com/Banyana_Banyana/status/1843607436399144980 Our ⭐️⭐️⭐️ our golden generation 💛 Our 23 player squad to participate in the European Tour]