The #ThreeNations series, which serves as vital preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this July, sees Banyana Banyana square off against Botswana’s Mares at 15h00 in Atteridgeville in Gauteng, South Africa on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.
Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis met her WAFCON counterparts Botswana’s head coach Alex Malete and Zambia’s Nora Häuptle at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday, ahead of the highly anticipated #ThreeNations Series featuring the three countries.
The three COSAFA countries, who have all qualified for the upcoming continental tournament, are using the series to test combinations, assess readiness, and fine-tune tactical details ahead of WAFCON in July.
Dr Ellis spoke about the value of facing two strong opponents, and how the series will reveal where the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team currently stands in their preparation journey.
“This will help us to see what we still need to work on. As I said, ever-improving Botswana and Zambia, who’ve been to back-to-back Olympics, they bring that level of experience. As Coach Nora mentioned, having their U17s qualify for back-to-back World Cups also adds to that. We’ll have to test where we are, and what still needs refining.”
Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis
Botswana’s Malete welcomed the challenge of facing two strong teams, noting the importance of these matchups for his side’s development. “These two games come at a time when we really need them, and against the two best teams in Africa.”
“It’s all about refining the details. We had a short camp ahead of these matches, so we’ve been working on team tactics. After the games, we’ll review the videos and work on the finer details,” said Malete.
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Häuptle, whose Zambian side only managed to fly in on Tuesday, thanked her staff for ensuring the team could travel under challenging circumstances. “We look forward to facing South Africa and Botswana – all three of us are WAFCON-qualified, and this will be a good test,” she said.
Zambia will open their #ThreeNations campaign on Saturday, 31 May, against Botswana, before closing the series against Banyana Banyana on Tuesday, 3 June, also at Lucas Moripe Stadium. All matches in the series will kick off at 15h00.
Tickets for the matches are available on Ticketpro, priced at R40 for adults and R20 for children. The #ThreeNations Series not only celebrates top-tier African women’s football but provides crucial match minutes and preparation for all three nations ahead of one of the continent’s most prestigious tournaments. South African fans are encouraged to come out in numbers to support Banyana Banyana as they defend their continental crown.
Banyana Banyana Squad for Zambia and Botswana International Friendlie
Kaylin Swart – JVW FC
Andile Dlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Jessica Williams – University of Cape Town FC
Casey Gordon – JVW FC
Lebohang Ramalepe – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Fikile Gagama – University of the Western Cape FC
Gabriela Salgado – JVW FC
Sharkira O’Malley – Western Michigan University (USA)
Tiisetso Makhubela – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bambanani Mbane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Karabo Dhlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bongeka Gamede – Nordsjaelland (Denmark)
Linda Mothlalo – Glasgow City (Scotland)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Refiloe Jane – TS Galaxy FC
Amogelang Motau – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Regina Mogalola – JVW FC
Renniker Khoza – University of Fort Hare FC
Adrielle Mibe – UJ FC
Hildah Mgaia – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Jermaine Seoposenwe – CF Monterray (Mexico)
Bonolo Mokoma – JVW FC
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Michelle Sampson – University of Fort Hare FC
International Friendly AFCON 2025 Preparation Three-Nations Series
15h00 Wed 28 May – South Africa vs Botswana
15h00 Sat 31 May – Botswana vs Zambia
15h00 Tue 3 June – South Africa vs Zambia
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Banyana Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis and her WAFCON counterparts Botswana’s head coach Alex Malete and Zambia’s Nora Häuptle aim to use the highly-anticipated #ThreeNations Series to test combinations, assess readiness, and fine-tune tactical details ahead of WAFCON this July. All Photos: SAFA
Photo 2 Caption: The national women’s team will benefit from the experience of world-class stars like Refiloe Jane, and the inclusion of new faces like the University of Fort Hare FC’s Renniker Khoza and Michelle Sampson.
