Dr. Desiree Ellis has named a 24-player Banyana Banyana squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Algeria Women's National Team, with the return of key players Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Hildah Magaia and Wendy Shongwe headlining the announcement.
The trio, who had been sidelined due to long-term injuries, have all made a welcome return to the national setup.
The squad was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the matches scheduled for 14 and 17 April.
Moodaly-Salgado’s absence followed a broken leg sustained during Banyana’s 2–1 defeat to Nigeria Women's National Team in the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations last year.
Coach Desiree Ellis announced the Sasol Banyana Banyana squad to face Algeria next month.#LiveTheImpossible @SasolinSport @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/Ks086L7By1
— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) March 25, 2026
Ellis expressed her satisfaction with the players’ recovery and readiness, highlighting the ongoing communication between the national team and their respective clubs.
“I have been in contact with the club and with Gabriela. Our medical team has also been liaising with the club, speaking with the coach to assess where the players are in terms of their rehabilitation,” she said.
Looking ahead to the Algeria clashes, Ellis expects a tough test for her side.
“Algeria brings physicality and they are very strong on the counter-attack. They will challenge us in different ways. I think leading up to WAFCON we want as many different challenges as possible, so that we will be able to adapt during the tournament.”
Banyana are also set to face Japan Women's National Team in June as part of their international preparations. Ellis believes these fixtures will play a crucial role in sharpening the team tactically.
“We’ve played Japan before in friendlies and training matches. They are technically very strong, so we will need to be tactically disciplined. At the last WAFCON, many teams relied on long balls, and we’ve worked extensively on dealing with that. If there are other challenges these friendlies will help us to adapt to whatever that is going to happen in the tournament,” Ellis told the media.
Squad named!
— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) March 25, 2026
In under two weeks Sasol Banyana Banyana will be back in action 🤩#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/7vAuPb67m8
BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane
Defenders: Sinegugu Zondi, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Antonia Maponya, Shakira O’Malley, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Karabo Dhlamini, Khutso Pila
Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo, Lebohang Ramalepe, Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau
Forwards: Thoriso Mphelo, Bonolo Mokoma, Gabriela Salgado, Hildah Magaia, Nthabiseng Majiya, Wendy Shongwe, Nicole Michael