There is a lot of experience in the Banyana Banyana squad that goes to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. SoccerClub Editor Nick Said picks five players to watch down under.
BAMBANANI MBANE – Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
Banyana have for many years relied on veteran centre-backs Janine van Wyk and Noko Matlou in the heart of defence, but Mbane has made the position her own in recent times.
The 33-year-old, herself no spring chicken, has cemented her position as a ‘must-have’ at the back for coach Desiree Ellis and was a key element of their 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations success.
Her calmness and assured displays will certainly be needed, as will her overseas experience, having converted from a midfielder in her earlier days, which included a stint at Belarus side Dinamo Minsk.
She has also been an absolute rock for Mamelodi Sundowns in the past few years, helping them to African Women’s Champions League success in 2021.
REFILOE JANE – US Sassuolo
Jane is the anchor in the midfield and a player with the vision to unlock any defence, a silky performer, but also a workhorse in the middle of the park.
She was discovered as a 16-year-old at the Gauteng Future Championships competition in 2009 and soon became a fixture in the national team, where she has been a regular starter for the past 11 years.
She played for Mamelodi Sundowns before later moving to Australian side Canberra United, and then AC Milan in Italy, where she spent three seasons before a transfer to Sassuolo for the 2022/23 campaign.
That experience of playing in Serie A should certainly come in handy when Banyana come face-to-face with the Italians in the pool stages.
LINDA MOTLHALO – Glasgow City
Motlhalo has the skill to control any midfield and now has vast experience of playing overseas, adding significant football intelligence to her game.
Former Banyana coach Vera Pauw said Motlhalo could become one of the leading players in the world given her ability, and while that has not happened yet, she is still only 24 and has plenty of growth left in her.
She has already played in the best domestic competition in the world, the National Women’s Soccer League, with Houston Dash, and also turned out for Beijing BG Phoenix in China and Swedish club Djurgårdens.
Motlhalo moved to top Scottish side Glasgow City in 2023 and has hit the ground running, proving she has goals in her game, but is also a creator for others.
THEMBI KGATLANA – Racing Louisville FC
Kgatlana’s game is all about pace and skill and she must be one of the quickest forwards in the women’s game, though just how badly a long- term Achilles injury will affect her remains to be seen.
She is able to run in behind the defences and also has a rocket right boot, as she showed with her goal against Spain in the 2019 World Cup in France.
The 27-year-old was a teammate of Motlhalo’s in Houston and Beijing, but also played for Benfica in Portugal and turned out for and Spanish clubs Eibar and Atlético Madrid.
She made the move back to the United States last year when she joined Racing Louisville, but that Achilles-tendon injury struck at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and she has only recently been back in action.
But she is a player with a real x-factor and a huge weapon for Banyana.
JERMAINE SEOPOSENWE – FC Juárez
The 29-year-old forward has been in and out of the Banyana side since her debut as a teenager in 2010, but is back in favour and brings a wealth of experience to the team.
She currently plays in Mexico for FC Juárez, who she joined last year having spent a couple of seasons in Portugal with Sporting Braga.
She is quick, good with the ball at her feet and has an eye for goal, and along with Kgatlana can form a pacey front two.
The well-travelled Seoposenwe has also played college football in the United States, as well as in Spain and Lithuania. She will be among the more experienced Banyana players at the World Cup.
