There's no such thing as the friendzone. Women operate moment to moment, their attitudes are not static. This is another male mind trap - we like to classify things without exception and keep things in order.
Anyway, you can have a few select female friends as long as you approach it from the right mindset and place of high value - that you just want to hang, have her wing, or whatever.
Don't think of it as being in her orbit but of drawing her into yours.
Obviously this practice isn't for everyone - some guys just don't have time or interest in it and I respect that. But I've found a lot of value in female "friends" - quotes used because they're not the same as guy friends, of course. You still need to do all the usual high-value, masculine things you do with plates in terms of leading. This is why it's seen as too much trouble for some guys. But if you've internalized everything and are true to yourself, it's second nature. It all depends on your time/energy and whether it's worth it to you.
I'm glad the narrative around this is changing. IMO "don't be friends with women" is one of those misguided, overly-dogmatic "principles" that gets thrown around places like SS. Sure, that's
great advice for guys who are needy, in scarcity, who lack boundaries, and who have low social value. Those guy are likely orbiting, likely lying to themselves (and their female "friends"), and likely being taken advantage of. It'll at least get them out of that and to the next steps of showing intent and being polarizing.
But it's a totally autistic idea for guys who have abundance and high social value. If you're already getting laid, then it's just not a big deal to enjoy the company of women. Whether there's sexual tension there or not, female friendships have been an awesome addition to my life. Those friendships don't tend to last the way male friendships do--usually the girl will fade away when her life (i.e. relationship) circumstances change--but they're great for what they are. While I prefer to travel light these days socially, in the past my female friendships have given me access to easy hookups, job opportunities, insight into the female mind ("never listen to a female" is another one of those stupid dogmas--girls are incredibly honest when they know you're not judging them), and have generally just been a fun addition to my life. Overall a total net positive.
I think a lot of the "rules" and "principles" here are really only useful for guys at the bottom. But, as always, be honest with yourself. If your female friendships are leaving you unfulfilled (because you're pining after her sexually lol) or are getting in the way of pursuing other opportunities, drop them. But other than that, live a little bit. Enjoy the full spectrum of what life has to offer.