By Nokwanda Ncwane
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis believes her side has the right balance of experience and youth as South Africa prepares to compete at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The tournament will be held in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August and will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ellis announced her final 26-player squad on Friday, 17 July, following weeks of preparation.
Speaking about the selection process, Ellis admitted that choosing the final squad was one of the most difficult parts of the build-up to the tournament.
“It is never easy selecting a squad for a major tournament, but it is something that has to be done. Unfortunately, not every player can make the final team,” she said.
Ellis initially named a preliminary squad of 31 players before trimming it to 26. The final squad includes experienced campaigners such as captain Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia, who were all part of South Africa’s historic WAFCON-winning team in 2022.
“We are satisfied with the selection we made, and we have complete faith that the players will deliver on the mandate.
“A big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for backing this team all the way. Our gratitude also goes to all the other partners supporting Sasol Banyana Banyana, and to the millions of South African fans who continue to invest their emotions in this team.”
South Africa made history by winning the 2022 WAFCON title, defeating hosts Morocco in the final to lift the trophy for the first time. The team finished fourth at the 2024 tournament after falling short of defending their title.
Despite their status as one of Africa’s leading women’s teams, Ellis said her immediate focus is on securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Our mission is clear: qualify for the World Cup and then see how far we can go.
“That means our focus right now is on the opening game against Tanzania because it will set the tone for the rest of the tournament. We leave knowing the weight of expectations from all South Africans, and we promise not to disappoint.”
Banyana Banyana will be making their 14th appearance at the continental showpiece and have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
South Africa will open their campaign against Tanzania on Monday, 27 July, at 19:00 (SA time). They will then face Côte d’Ivoire four days later at the same venue before concluding their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso at 22:00 (SA time).
All of Banyana Banyana’s Group B fixtures will be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
