JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — The wait is finally over. Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially announced her final 26-player squad for the highly anticipated 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The announcement was made during an emotional send-off ceremony at Sasol Place in Sandton on Friday afternoon, bringing an end to an intense week of assessment as the preliminary 31-player training squad was trimmed down to the final traveling group.
With Africa’s premier women’s football tournament set to take place from 26 July to 16 August 2026, Banyana Banyana head into Morocco with a clear mission: reclaim their continental crown while securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
A Perfect Balance of Experience and Emerging Talent
Coach Ellis has once again demonstrated her ability to blend experience with youthful energy, selecting a squad that combines the leaders who have carried Banyana Banyana to historic heights with a new generation eager to make their mark.
The backbone of the team remains intact, with national team icons such as captain Refiloe Jane, attacking superstar Thembi Kgatlana, midfield maestro Linda Motlhalo, and defensive leader Bambanani Mbane all included.
The squad also receives a major boost with the return of midfielder Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, who makes her comeback to the national setup alongside her spouse and fellow JVW FC teammate Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado.
At the same time, Ellis has placed strong faith in the future by including six WAFCON debutants. Among the exciting newcomers is University of the Western Cape (UWC) sensation Zoe October, who will become the youngest member of the squad at just 18 years old.
Speaking after the announcement, Ellis highlighted the importance of finding the right balance.
“We have a nice mixture of youth and experience, and that was key in making our selection. While we have immediate goals, we still need to look beyond the tournament and not be found wanting. We believe we have a balanced squad and are well prepared for what lies ahead of us.”
However, difficult decisions were unavoidable. Five players from the preliminary squad — Bonolo Mokoma, Cimone Sauls, Sinegugu Zondi, Shakira O’Malley, and veteran defender Tiisetso Makhubela — narrowly missed out on the final selection.
The Final 26-Player WAFCON 2026 Squad
Goalkeepers
Kaylin Swart — JVW FC
Andile Dlamini — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Katlego Moletsane — University of Fort Hare FC
Defenders
Lebohang Ramalepe — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bambanani Mbane — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Karabo Dhlamini — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Asanda Hadebe — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Khutso Pila — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Fikile Magama — UWC FC
Lonathemba Mhlongo — UWC FC
Antonia Maponya — UWC FC
Midfielders
Refiloe Jane (Captain) — TS Galaxy Queens FC
Linda Motlhalo — Glasgow City (Scotland)
Bongeka Gamede — FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
Amogelang Motau — Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Noxolo Cesane — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Nonhlanhla Mthandi — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Isabella Ludwig — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Robyn Moodaly-Salgado — JVW FC
Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado — JVW FC
Sibulele Holweni — UWC FC
Forwards
Thembi Kgatlana — Tigres UANL (Mexico)
Hildah Magaia — Unattached
Nthabiseng Majiya — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Ronnel Donnelly — Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Zoe October — UWC FC
The Road to Brazil: More Than Just a Trophy
The stakes in Morocco extend far beyond winning the African title.
WAFCON 2026 will also serve as the official qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four teams reaching the semi-finals earning automatic qualification for the global tournament in Brazil.
After a disappointing fourth-place finish at the previous edition, Banyana Banyana are determined to return to the top of African football.
Captain Refiloe Jane believes the squad is ready for the challenge, stressing that the team understands the importance of the tournament.
“We know what is at stake with this one.”
Jane also pointed out that the timing of the tournament has benefited the squad, allowing players to gain valuable match fitness through their domestic and international club commitments.
Group B Challenge Awaits in Morocco
Banyana Banyana will leave South Africa on Saturday, 18 July 2026, giving the team valuable time to adapt to Moroccan conditions before their opening match.
The overseas-based players — including Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau, Linda Motlhalo, and Bongeka Gamede — will travel directly from their respective clubs to join the squad in Morocco.
Drawn in Group B, South Africa will play their group matches at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Their campaign begins against an improving Tanzania side on Monday, 27 July, before facing Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
With a powerful combination of experience, rising stars, Hollywoodbets Super League talent, and international quality, Banyana Banyana head to Morocco ready to fight for glory and make South Africa proud once again.
