Banyana Banyana are ramping up preparations for their upcoming international friendlies against Malawi, with both fixtures set to take place in Soweto this weekend as part of their build-up to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reigning African champions will host Malawi on Saturday and again on Tuesday at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park campus.
Head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis is using the matches to refine tactics, evaluate squad depth, and sharpen physical conditioning ahead of the continental tournament scheduled for July.
The South African squad has been assembling over the course of the week, with Jermaine Seoposenwe joining on Thursday following weather-related delays in the United States.
Fellow U.S.-based forward Hilda Magaia is expected to arrive by Friday.
Despite the uncertainty around Malawi’s final squad selection, Ellis insists the focus remains squarely on her own side’s preparation.
“We don’t control who Malawi bring,” said the veteran coach. “They’ve shown their physical strength and progress even when not at full strength. We will not take anything for granted.”
The two friendlies offer Banyana Banyana’s technical staff a crucial opportunity to test combinations and reinforce team cohesion as they edge closer to their WAFCON title defence.
With limited time for international training camps ahead of the tournament, every minute on the pitch this weekend will carry added significance.
Saturday’s encounter will also be emotionally charged as two stalwarts of the South African women’s national team prepare to bid farewell.
Defender Noko Matlou, one of the longest-serving members of the squad, is set to retire after the double-header.
The 38-year-old boasts 173 caps, making her one of the most decorated players in the team’s history.
Joining her in taking a final bow is midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who is expected to earn her 150th cap during the series — a milestone achieved by only two other South African women’s players: Matlou herself and Janine van Wyk, who holds the national record with 185 appearances.
Training sessions have been held daily at the UJ campus, with the team working on both tactical organisation and fitness.
The sessions have been tightly structured to make full use of the limited window available before Saturday’s match.
Malawi, though not traditionally considered a powerhouse in African women’s football, are expected to offer a stern test.
Their physical approach and growing reputation in the region present the kind of challenge Ellis is seeking in this stage of preparation.
With a packed year ahead and WAFCON looming, Banyana Banyana are using every fixture to polish their performance and embed new tactical frameworks.
This weekend’s double-header may be a farewell for two veterans, but for the rest of the squad, it marks the beginning of a serious journey toward defending their continental crown.
