Alexia Cassar excited for Moodaly-Salgado’s return to national team

By Mpumi Manyisi
9th July 2026

JVW head coach Alexia Cassar says the club is thrilled to see midfield maestro Robyn Moodaly-Salgado return to the Banyana Banyana setup.

Moodaly-Salgado has made a surprise return to the preliminary squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having announced her retirement from international football in 2023.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Cassar says the midfielder’s consistency and football intelligence at club level makes her an irreplaceable player.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see Robyn back in the national team setup. It is exactly where a player of her world-class calibre belongs. She is a midfield maestro. Her vision and football intelligence make her an irreplaceable asset on any pitch. She dictates the tempo of our play and leads by example.

“Her bravery in prioritising her mental health was admirable. Being able to return to the national setup means she has found her balance and her hunger again,” said Cassar.

READ: FIFA's Pierluigi Collina rejects bias claims after Argentina-Egypt controversy

A total of five JVW players have been named in Desiree Ellis’ preliminary WAFCON squad, including youngsters Cimone Sauls and Bonolo Mokoma. Cassar says the selections are a testament to the club’s hard work.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see that our players’ consistent, high-level performances in the league are not going unnoticed. Having five players selected for national duty is validation that our collective hunger and perseverance to reach the next level is officially paying off.

“Having witnessed their hard work and discipline on and off the field, I know they will go into camp with the same determination, and I am confident they can cement their spots in the final squad,” added Cassar.

JVW are preparing to face the University of Fort Hare at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday in a Hollywoodbets Super League clash. Cassar hopes the players can continue to play well just before international football takes off.

“This weekend is all about execution, discipline and securing maximum points on the road. It’s our final game before a lengthy break, so it is important that we go into it on a high.”