Banyana Banyana coach annnounces WAFCON preliminary squad
· The South African
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced a 31-player preliminary squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent as South Africa prepares for another major continental challenge.
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The biggest objective for South Africa is to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. To achieve that, South Africa must reach the semi-finals of the tournament, making every group-stage fixture crucial.
Ellis’ team have been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Their campaign begins against Tanzania on 27 July, before they face the remaining group opponents in pursuit of a knockout-stage place.
The squad includes several established stars, with captain Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Andile Dlamini, Hildah Magaia, and Jermaine Seoposenwe notably absent from the preliminary list. Young talents and players performing well both locally and abroad have also earned opportunities to impress before the final squad is confirmed.
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ELLIS CHASING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN
Ellis will hope to guide Banyana Banyana back to the summit of African football after their mixed fortunes in recent editions of the competition.
The national team lifted their maiden WAFCON title in 2022, defeating Morocco in the final to make history. However, they could not retain the trophy in 2024, finishing fourth while Nigeria claimed a record-extending 10th continental crown.
With a 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup place on the line, Ellis will expect her squad to deliver another strong tournament and continue South Africa’s impressive rise in women’s football.
BANYANA BANYANA PRELIMINARY WAFCON SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
- Andile Dlamini
- Kaylin Swart
- Katlego Moletsane
Defenders:
- Fikile Magama
- Karabo Dhlamini
- Shakira O’Malley
- Bambanani Mbane
- Khutso Pila
- Sinegugu Zondi
- Asanda Hadebe
- Antonia Maponya
- Tiisetso Makhubela
- Lonathemba Mhlongo
- Sibulele Holweni
- Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado
- Noxolo Cesane
Midfielders:
- Bongeka Gamede
- Linda Motlhalo
- Refiloe Jane
- Zoe October
- Lebohang Ramalepe
- Robyn Moodaly-Salgado
- Isabella Ludwig
- Amogelang Motau
- Nonhlanhla Mthandi
- Cimone Sauls
Forwards:
- Nthabiseng Majiya
- Thembi Kgatlana
- Hildah Magaia
- Bonolo Mokoma
- Ronnel Donnelly.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM BANYANA BANYANA AT THE WAFCON?
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