Desiree Ellis names final Banyana Banyana squad for WAFCON

Ellis, together with her technical staff trimmed the provisional WAFCON squad of 31 players down to 26 ladies ahead of the team’s departure to Morocco. South Africa have been seeded in group B, and will open their 2026 WAFCON account against Tanzania, followed by encounters with Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire.

Banyana Banyana settled for fourth place in the previous edition after a heartbreaking loss to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the semi-finals, and a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Ghana in the bronze medal match.

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Ellis and her charges intend to replicate the magic of 2022 when Banyana Banyana conquered Africa and claimed the WAFCON Title. However, the 2026 edition also serves as an opportunity to qualify for the 10th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup – which will be hosted by Brazil in 2027. The top four teams (Semi-Finalists) in the upcoming WAFCON adventure will earn direct qualification for the showpiece event…

Banyana Banyana 26-Woman WAFCON Squad:

GOALKEEPERS - Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Andile Dlamini.

DEFENDERS - Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Antonia Maponya, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Asanda Hadebe, Khutso Pila.

MIDFIELDERS – Linda Motlhalo, Bongeka Gamede, Refiloe Jane, Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Gabriela Salgado, Robyn Moodaly, Sibulele Holweni, Amogelang Motau, Zoe October, Isabella Ludwig.

FORWARDS – Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya, Ronnel Donnelly. 

Banyana Banyana will kick off their WAFCON campaign on Monday evening, the 27th of July.