Lebohang Ramalepe: Banyana’s Ever-Trusted Engine Driving Title Defense
At the final whistle in Oujda, Lebohang Ramalepe stood tall, not just as a seasoned defender but as the relentless heartbeat of a dominant Banyana Banyana display. The 33-year-old was instrumental in South Africa’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Mali, which sealed their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Her trademark endurance, tactical intelligence and attacking verve were on full display, capped with two assists and a well-deserved TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award. Speaking after the game, Ramalepe highlighted the group effort that drove the team forward. “The win for the team is something we worked so hard for. We knew it was not going to be an easy game. The three points really made things easy for us,” she said. “It really showed that I did my best. It was also a collective effort. I would like to thank my teammates.”
Looking ahead to the knockout stages, she remained focused. “It’s not going to be an easy game. It’s a knockout stage and a matter of trying to stay composed," she continued. "Play our normal game and make sure we convert our chances — then we will be heading to the semifinals.”
From Ga-Kgapane to the African Stage: A Journey of Grit and Growth
Born in Ga-Kgapane, Limpopo, Ramalepe’s footballing journey began in the dusty pitches of grassroots South Africa. Her rise was shaped by stints with Kanatla Ladies and Ma-Indies Ladies, where her commitment and consistency quickly marked her out as a standout talent. Her progress continued with a move to top South African club Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, where she has become a key figure.
Her club achievements include winning the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League, the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Champions League, and the South African Women’s League title, all milestones that underscore her winning mentality. She also earned international experience with a stint at Dinamo Minsk in Belarus, where she featured in the topflight league and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, a rare feat for any South African defender. Since her senior debut in 2014, Ramalepe has become a pillar of the Banyana Banyana setup.
She has featured at two FIFA Women’s World Cups (France 2019 and Australia/New Zealand 2023) and participated in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, bringing a wealth of tournament experience into every match. In 2022, she played a key role in South Africa’s historic WAFCON triumph, their first-ever continental title and was recognised as Player of the Tournament at the 2019 League National Championship.
In 2023, she was named in the CAF Best XI, an honour that reflected her sustained excellence at both club and national level.
Masterclass in Oujda: Experience Meets Execution
Against Mali, Ramalepe produced a performance of precision and purpose. She completed 90 high-octane minutes, seamlessly transitioning between defence and attack. Her two assists — a smart early ball to Jermaine Seoposenwe and a whipped cross for Bambanani Mbane — highlighted her technical accuracy and vision in the final third. Beyond the numbers, her influence was felt in every phase of the game. Whether pressing from the front, tracking back to shut down counters, or maintaining rhythm with clean passing and overlapping runs, Ramalepe embodied the role of a complete modern fullback. It was a performance that proved once again why, even at 33, she remains central to Banyana’s ambitions.
“Baby Face” and “Mosquito”: Coach Ellis Salutes Her Leader
For head coach Desiree Ellis, there is no surprise in Ramalepe’s consistency — only admiration. Having worked with her for over a decade, Ellis has witnessed firsthand the transformation of a determined defender into a trusted leader. “Everyone knows Lebohang Ramalepe as a right full-back. She’s been ever-present in the national team since 2014,” Ellis said.
“She’s been to two Women's World Cups and two Olympics, and has been part of the successes of Banyana Banyana.” Ellis revealed a recent tactical tweak, deploying Ramalepe higher up the field to maximise her attacking instincts — a decision that has paid off. “We played her a little further forward and she has been really instrumental on the wing — a good assist for Jermaine’s first goal against Ghana and another good assist against Tanzania for Bambanani.”
Known affectionately within the squad as Baby Face and Mosquito, Ellis says those nicknames speak volumes about Ramalepe’s style.“She never gives up. She’s always on top of you and involved in both defence and attack. She is a real team player. I am just happy to have her. She gets better with age — an integral part in all that we do and a leader on and off the pitch.”
A Calm Commander as the Knockout Rounds Await
Now into the quarterfinals, South Africa’s title defense grows tougher and Ramalepe knows exactly what’s at stake. With over a decade of international experience, her ability to stay composed under pressure will be crucial in the battles to come. “It’s a knockout stage and a matter of trying to stay composed,” she said again, underscoring her leadership. “We have to play our normal game and make sure we convert our chances. Then we will be heading to the semifinals.” As South Africa targets back-to-back WAFCON titles, they will once again rely on the leadership, stamina, and skill of Ramalepe — the trusted engine who keeps Banyana Banyana running.
