South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has named her final 26-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), selecting several stalwart players with World Cup experience.
The tournament in Morocco from July 26 to August 16 serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be played in Brazil next year, with the four semifinalists advancing to the global finals.
Two more teams will have the chance to book their places through the intercontinental playoffs.
Striker Thembi Kgatlana, midfielders Linda Motlhalo and Refiloe Jane, defenders Lebohang Ramalepe and Bambanani Mbane, and goalkeepers Kaylin Swart and Andile Dlamini have all been included.
There is a return for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, who had previously retired from football, and she joins her spouse, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, in the squad.
The latter suffered a horrific broken leg at the previous WAFCON last year.
Striker Hildah Magaia, who is currently unattached, also gets the nod. She scored the two goals in the final of the 2022 edition that secured victory over Morocco and South Africa’s only continental title to date.
Ready for Africa! 🌍🏆 Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially announced her final 26-player squad for WAFCON 2026. Let's go out there and make the nation proud, ladies! 🇿🇦⚽💚💛@SasolinSport @adidasZA @adidasfootball@StandardBankZA
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) July 17, 2026
@stayfree… pic.twitter.com/qON5qqpjzH
Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B and open their campaign against Tanzania in Casablanca on July 27.
They also face Ivory Coast four days later and Burkina Faso on August 4.
The top two teams in each pool advance to the quarterfinals.
'WE KNOW WHAT IS AT STAKE'
Banyana Banyana captain Jane says the team is fully aware of the importance of the tournament after falling short in the previous edition.
"It's very important for us to do well in this upcoming tournament. We know the previous one did not go very well, but we all know what is at stake with this one. It is a World Cup qualifying tournament, so the main objective is to qualify for the World Cup, and then we will take everything further from there."
After overcoming an injury setback, Jane says the postponement of the tournament worked in her favour, allowing her to return to full fitness while gaining valuable match minutes with her club.
"It was a blessing in disguise when the tournament was postponed because we were still in the off-season. Now that the league has started and players have got minutes under their belts, it is helping the team in a way. Personally, I am happy that I am able to start with the team on a high note and build from there. We're grateful that the league has started and that we are doing well as individuals in our respective teams."
Jane also acknowledged the void left by the retirement of veteran midfielder Jermaine Seoposenwe, describing her as a player whose influence extended well beyond the pitch.
"Obviously, we know that Jermaine was a big part of the team, and her absence is felt, whether on or off the field. She is a special kind of person and player and whenever a senior player leaves the team, there is a gap left. However, I am hoping that the younger players have learned from her, and we're hoping that with the players we have, we will be able to move forward."
Jane reiterated that South Africa's immediate focus is securing qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup, while also aiming to successfully defend their WAFCON crown.
BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Kebotseng Moletsane (University of Fort Hare FC)
Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (The University of the Western Cape FC), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Antonia Maponya (The University of the Western Cape FC), Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Fikile Magama (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordjaelland *Denmark*), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW FC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City *Scotland*), Nonhlanhla Mathandi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens FC), Sibulele Holweni (The University of the Western Cape FC), Isabella Ludwig (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuan *Mexico*)
Forwards: Hildah Magaia (Unattached), Thembi Kgatlana ( Tigers Unal *Mexico*), Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Zoe October (The University of the Western Cape FC)
© Addtional reporting by Vuyo Ndudane