Desiree Ellis names Banyana Banyana squad for Algeria friendly

The matches, scheduled for 14 and 17 April 2026, serve as a critical rebuilding phase for Ellis’ side after relinquishing their continental crown last year, as they finished fourth following a penalty shootout loss to Ghana.

With the continental showpiece having been rescheduled by the Confederation of African Football to July-August, Ellis has shifted her focus to ensuring strong preparation to try an reclaim the throne and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Leading the charge is captain Refiloe Jane, who has been a vital presence for TS Galaxy Queens in the Hollywoodbets Super League, and her leadership remains central to the coach's tactical blueprint for the upcoming WAFCON.

European and North American-based stars Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City) and Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana) will once again link up in the engine room, while Hildah Magaia's recent move to Deportivo de La Coruña is expected to inspire her form upfront.

READ: Zambia Head of Women’s Football on WAFCON postponement

However, Tigres UANL forward Thembi Kgatlana is one major absentee, but this appears to be workload management following with the last-minute postponement of the WAFCON earlier this month, when the Mexico-based forward was present in camp.

The local contingent is again dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns and UWC, with a wealth of experience provided by the likes of Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, and Noxolo Cesane, while Fikile Magama, Lonathemba Mhlongo, and Antonia Maponya bring stability.

Notably, there is no place for goalkeeper Dineo Magagula in this selection, with Ellis opting for the trio of Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, and Katlego Moletsane.

Full Banyana Banyana Squad:

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Katlego Moletsane (University of Fort Hare)

Defenders: Sinegugu Zondi, Fikile Magama, Antonia Maponya, Shakira O’Malley, Lonathemba Mhlongo (all UWC Ladies), Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Khutso Pila (all Sundowns)

Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland), Lebohang Ramalepe, Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi (all Sundowns), Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, Mexico)

Forwards: Thorisho Mphelo, Bonolo Mokoma, Gabriela Salgado (all JVW), Hildah Magaia (Deportivo de La Coruña, Spain), Nthabiseng Majiya, Wendy Shongwe (both Sundowns), Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy FC)