SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis has unveiled a 38-player squad for an Alignment camp that will run through the COSAFA Women’s Championship and into the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The camp begins on Friday, 13 February 2026, as the African champions prepare for a crucial year on the international stage.
The COSAFA Women’s Championship will be staged in Polokwane from 18 February to 1 March 2026, while the WAFCON takes place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026. International-based players are expected to join the camp on 25 February, coinciding with the FIFA window.
The draw for COSAFA placed Banyana Banyana in Group A, alongside Malawi, Lesotho, and Angola. Ellis’s squad will train together throughout the regional tournament before being trimmed ahead of WAFCON, with the camp continuing seamlessly across both competitions.
One of the biggest talking points is the omission of Leandra Smeda, who recently walked away with the Hollywoodbets Super League Player of the Season and Top Goal Scorer awards.
The TS Galaxy Queens forward was the standout performer at the awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 1 February 2026, where she scooped two major accolades. Despite her stellar form, she has not been included in the provisional squad, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
Other Hollywoodbets award winners, however, were rewarded with national team call-ups. Bonolo Mokoma of JVW, who claimed both Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, earned her place after a breakout season in which she netted 18 goals.
Dineo Magagula, crowned Goalkeeper of the Year, also made the cut, while Karabo Dhlamini and Jessica Wade, winners of the newly introduced Defender of the Season and Midfielder of the Season awards respectively, were included.
BANYANA BANYANA FULL SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, and Casey Gordon
Defenders: Fikile Magama, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Shakira O’Malley, Sinegugu Zondi, Yolanda Nduli, Antonia Mponya, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Unathi Simayile, Khutso Pila, Sibahle Maneli, and Lebogang Ramalepe
Midfielders: Gabriel Salgado, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Gugu Dhlamini, Sibulele Holweni, Zoe October, Thorisho Mphelo, Bongeka Gamede, Jessica Wade, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Bongiwe Thusi, and Isabella Ludwig
Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, and Thato Mofola