Banyana Banyana’s Next Chapter: Farewell to Legends, Spotlight on the Future

As Banyana Banyana prepare to take on Ghana for bronze at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday, there’s a quiet sense that South African women’s football is closing one of its most defining chapters.

The 2022 champions may have missed out on back-to-back titles, but the bigger story is the generational handover taking place on and off the pitch — a symbolic moment that marks both a farewell and a beginning.

Desiree Ellis and the golden years

For nearly a decade, Desiree Ellis has been the steady hand at the wheel, guiding Banyana Banyana through uncharted territory. Since taking over in 2016, she’s rewritten the team’s history: a maiden World Cup qualification in 2019, a historic round-of-16 finish in 2023, and, of course, the unforgettable WAFCON title in 2022.

Under Ellis, South Africa went from perennial runners-up — losing four finals between 1995 and 2012 — to African champions. The win in Rabat wasn’t just a sporting triumph; it was a cultural moment, a powerful symbol for women’s sport in the country.

But now, Ellis’s future is unclear.

“I’m just focusing on the [playoff],” she said, when asked if she’d continue. “When we go back, I’ll take a break, sit down, and look at the way forward.”

Seoposenwe’s swan song, Salgado’s heartbreak

The team’s playoff match against Ghana carries extra emotional weight. It will be Jermaine Seoposenwe’s final appearance in national colours — a farewell for one of South Africa’s most consistent attacking threats. And it follows the devastating semifinal injury to forward Gabriela Salgado, which left teammates visibly shaken.

“We all want to do it for Gabby, also for Jermaine,” Ellis said. “It’s not the final we wanted, but we still have something to fight for.”

Fans online have echoed that sentiment, with #DoItForJermaine trending in local football circles. “She deserves a hero’s send-off,” one supporter tweeted. “This team gave us so many proud moments.”

Passing the torch: The youth are ready

While veterans like Noko Matlou and Mpumi Nyandeni have already bowed out, Ellis has been preparing the next wave. Ronnel Donnelly, who scored against Mali in the group stage, is one of several young stars stepping into the spotlight, alongside Fikile Magama, Noxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni and Karabo Dhlamini.

“We’ve refreshed the squad a lot,” Ellis said. “They can’t rely on the veterans forever — they have to step up now.”

Seoposenwe, ever the mentor, sees the same promise.

“Ronnel came to me for advice. She’s a No. 9, and I’ve had to play that role this tournament. She’s hungry, and that’s what we need — players ready to run with the torch.”

South Africa at a crossroads

This bronze medal match is more than just a consolation fixture. It’s a symbolic parting shot for one generation and a proving ground for the next. South Africa may not have made the final, but what they’ve built over the past eight years is undeniable — a legacy of pride, resilience, and trailblazing leadership.

Whether Ellis stays or not, her mark is imprinted on the jersey.

And as Seoposenwe prepares to sing the anthem one last time, a new chorus is quietly warming up behind her.

Source: ESPN Africa 

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