Banyana Banyana left the country for Morocco where they are expected to reclam their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The team left a day after coach, Desiree Ellis’ 26-member Banyana Banyana-s final squad announcement that will be representing South Africa at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) in Morocco scheduled from 26 July to 16 August.
Ellis and her technical team have kept the bulk of the players who have been doing duty for the South African senior women’s national team over the last few matches. Starting with a preliminary squad of 31 players, the team was whittled down to 26 on Friday, with Bonolo Mokoma, Cimone Sauls, Sinegugu Zondi, Shakira O’Malley and Tiisetso Makhubela all missing out on the premier continental women’s football tournament.
“It is never easy choosing the squad for any tournament, but it is something that has to be done and unfortunately, we cannot take all the players with us. Bringing down the squad to 31 was very difficult, but even more so to come up with the final 26. We are satisfied with the selection we made, and we have complete faith that they will deliver on the mandate.
“A big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for backing this team all the way, gratitude also goes to all the other partners who are behind Banyana Banyana and not forgetting the millions of South Africans fans who have invested their emotions with Banyana Banyana,” said Ellis.
Of the players that have been selected, 17 were part of the WAFCON 2024 edition, with nine additions coming in for the upcoming competition – Katlego Moletsane, Isabella Ludwig, Asanda Hadebe, Antonia Maponya, Zoe October, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Nthabiseng Majiya and Thembi Kgatlana.
Moodaly-Salgado last donned the Banyana Banyana jersey back in 2023, while Ronnel Donnelly was part of the 2024 squad that finished fourth but has been out of team selection in recent times.
Six players will be making their tournament debut – Moletsane, Hadebe, Maponya, Phila, Ludwig and October, with the latter being the youngest member of the squad at just 18 years old.
“We have a nice mixture of youth and experience and that was key in making our selection because while we have immediate goals, we still need to look beyond the tournament and not be found wanting. We are under no illusion that this competition will be tough, but we believe we have a balanced squad and are well prepared for what lies ahead of us,” added Ellis.
The 2022 African champions will be making their 14th appearance at the tournament, and have been drawn in Group B against Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The 2026 elite continental women’s football showpiece takes a different meaning as it serves as the 2027 Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.
“The mission is clear, qualify for the World Cup and then we see how far we go. And that means the focus for now is the opening game against Tanzania as it will set the tone for the tournament. We also depart with the full knowledge of the weight of expectations from all South Africans and we promise not to disappoint,” added Ellis.
Banyana Banyana open their account against Tanzania at 7pm (SA Time). South Africa will be back in action four days later facing Cote D’Ivoire at the same time, while the final group stage fixture will be against Burkina Faso at 22h00 SA time.
All the group stage matches will be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Speaking at the squad announcement and send off event in Johannesburg, SAFA Vice President and NEC Member Anastasia Tsichlas said: “This occasion also celebrates the incredible journey that Banyana Banyana has undertaken over the past decade. They have become one of the most successful national teams on the continent, changing perceptions of women’s football and inspiring a new generation of young girls to believe that they too can one day wear the green and gold. Their achievements have elevated the profile of South African women’s football and demonstrated what can be accomplished through hard work, resilience and unity.
“Today’s send-off is more than a farewell; it is a celebration of a team that has inspired a nation. Sasol Banyana Banyana are ambassadors for South African football, women’s empowerment and national pride. As the 2022 WAFCON champions, they travel to Morocco carrying the hopes of millions of South Africans and they do so with the full support of SAFA, the government, our partners, football stakeholders and an entire nation united behind them. We have every confidence that they will represent South Africa with courage, excellence, and pride. We wish them every success as they once again fly the South African flag high.”
The overseas-based quartet of Thembi Kgatlana and Amogelang Motau (both Mexico), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland) and Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) will join up with the team in Morocco.
