Lebohang Ramalepe leads Banyana Banyana into WAFCON 2024
By : Boitumelo Makhapheetja
Lebohang Ramalepe, a talented defender from Ga-Maupa village in Bolobedu, Limpopo, has been appointed as one of the co-captains of South Africa’s Women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, ahead of the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Ramalepe will share leadership responsibilities with Refiloe Jane and Amogelang Motau.
Coach Desiree Ellis officially announced her final 26-player squad that will travel to Morocco to defend the title won in 2022. The team boasts a perfect blend of experience and youth, with 14 players retained from the 2022 WAFCON-winning squad with Ramalepe being one of the seasoned players who has represented Banyana Banyana in several major tournaments, including the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The national team departed for Morocco on Tuesday 24 June 2025, ahead of the tournament, which runs from July 5 to 26, 2024. South Africa is drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali, with all group matches to be played at Honneur Stadium in Oujda. Their campaign kicks off against Ghana on July 7, followed by Tanzania on July 11, and their final group clash against Mali on July 14.
Coach Ellis praised the blend of experience and youth in the squad: “We’ve selected a balanced team, with strong leaders like Ramalepe, Jane, and Motau. Their experience at top levels will be vital as we aim to retain our title.”