Thembi Kgatlana’s withdrawal from South Africa’s squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has sparked speculation, but head coach Desiree Ellis has moved swiftly to reassure fans that the team’s ambitions remain undeterred.
With the tournament set to begin on 6 July in Morocco, defending champions South Africa will be without one of their most influential figures.
Kgatlana, widely regarded as a cornerstone of Banyana Banyana’s attack, pulled out of the squad due to “personal reasons,” as confirmed by the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ellis addressed the issue with transparency and calm.
“Look, there’s no doubt about it, she’s one of the best players in the country,” the coach admitted. “It’s not disappointing, but it’s a time when we don’t have Thembi, and we’ve shown that our team isn’t built on one individual.”
Ellis’s message was clear: South Africa will not be defined by the absence of one player, regardless of their calibre. Her confidence stems from the team’s track record of coping with similar situations.
“If you look at the 2022 World Cup, at the end of the tournament, other players have improved,” she said. “We played against Denmark, Mali, Zambia, Botswana… often with different groups. Each time, others seized their opportunity.”
The Banyana Banyana boss pointed to a broad pool of talent and a team culture that promotes resilience and adaptability.
“When you look at our goal scorers, they are different goal scorers. This is another opportunity for someone else to stand out again,” she added.
South Africa have been drawn into Group C, where they will face Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
Their campaign kicks off on 7 July in Oujda against the Black Queens.
While Kgatlana’s absence is undeniably a blow, Ellis’s focus is firmly on continuity, teamwork, and a united front as they aim to defend the title they secured in 2022.
The squad is expected to arrive in Morocco later this week, where preparations will intensify ahead of the highly anticipated continental showdown.
