Sasol Banyana Banyana got off to a flying start in their Group A opener against Malawi in the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane on Wednesday.
Two second half goals from captain of the day Sibulele Holweni as well substitute Bonolo Mokoma were enough to see the hosts start their campaign on a positive note. Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis has selected a group of 38 players and is using the regional competition to assess the players before naming her squad for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 taking place in Morocco next month.
Dr Ellis gave a chance to mainly youngsters in a different-looking Sasol Banyana Banyana squad that had regulars like Refiloe Jane, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Andile Dlamini and Noxolo Cesane watching from the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium stands. Malawi and South Africa are using the tournament to prepare for the WAFCON and the players showed a bit of nerves in the opening minutes of the game.
It was no surprise when there was still a stalemate at the break. After the recess, South Africa carved up some few goal-scoring opportunities before getting on the scoresheet – with debutant Sinegugu Zondi feeding Holweni who made no mistake in the 63rd minute to give the hosts the lead.
