By 
OSAKA, Japan — South Africa’s senior women’s national football team, Sasol Banyana Banyana, have safely arrived and settled into their Osaka hotel following a grueling 20-hour journey from South Africa. The reigning 2022 African champions are in the East Asian nation for a high-profile, two-match friendly series against the hosts, Nadeshiko Japan.
The tour serves as a crucial final dress rehearsal for head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis’ charges ahead of next month’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) in Morocco, scheduled from July 26 to August 16. The stakes in Morocco could not be higher, as the tournament doubles as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
A Formidable Test Awaits
Banyana Banyana, currently ranked 58th in the world, face a massive litmus test against a world-class Japanese side sitting comfortably at 5th in the FIFA global rankings. The hosts boast a rich footballing pedigree, famously becoming the first Asian team to lift the FIFA Women’s World Cup back in 2011.
The double-header kicks off on Saturday, June 6, at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 15:50 local time (08:50 AM SA time). The second encounter will take place at J-Green Sakai on Tuesday, June 9, at 15:30 local time (08:30 AM SA time).
Full Squad Assembled
Dr. Ellis has a full complement of her 23-player squad available for the mission. Momentum is firmly on South Africa’s side following back-to-back friendly victories over Algeria in Durban last month.
The squad received a significant boost during their transit in Dubai, where international stars Linda Motlhalo (based in Scotland) and Bongeka Gamede (playing in Denmark) linked up with the rest of the traveling contingent.
“The team is expected to hit the pitch for their first official training session on Wednesday afternoon to begin adapting to the local conditions.”
With a perfect blend of domestic talent and overseas experience, Banyana Banyana will look to use these fixtures to fine-tune their tactics, test their resilience against elite opposition, and build the necessary momentum to conquer Africa once again next month.
