Desiree Ellis Selects 31 Players in Preliminary Squad for WAFCON

Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a preliminary squad of 31 players for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the South African Football Association confirming the selection on Monday, 6 July 2026.

The group will be trimmed to a final 26 who will travel to North Africa for the continental showpiece, which runs from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 16 August 2026, with Ellis set to confirm her final travelling party before the team’s departure later this month.

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Ellis has retained the bulk of the side that has been on duty for the South African Senior Women’s National Team in recent months, while handing recalls to Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Ronnel Donnelly and Cimone Sauls, who all return to the national set-up after long spells away in what is the most eye-catching feature of the selection. Their return adds depth and experience to a squad preparing for a demanding continental campaign.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC’s Andile Dlamini heads a goalkeeping trio completed by Kaylin Swart of JVW FC and University of Fort Hare FC’s Katlego Moletsane.

In defence, Ellis can call on the experience of Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso Makhubela and Karabo Dhlamini, all of Mamelodi Sundowns FC, alongside a strong University of the Western Cape FC contingent that includes Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, Sinegugu Zondi, Antonia Maponya and Lonathemba Mhlongo. Sundowns pair Khutso Pila and Asanda Hadebe complete the defensive group.

The midfield blends home-based talent with overseas experience. Refiloe Jane of TS Galaxy FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC trio Lebohang Ramalepe, Isabella Ludwig and Nonhlanhla Mthandi are joined by Linda Motlhalo of Glasgow City in Scotland, Denmark-based Bongeka Gamede and Amogelang Motau of Mexican side Club Tijuana. Zoe October, Sibulele Holweni, Noxolo Cesane, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado and Cimone Sauls round out the midfield options.

Up front, Thembi Kgatlana of Tigres UANL in Mexico and Hildah Magaia carry the attacking threat, supported by Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma and the returning Ronnel Donnelly.

The 2022 African champions go into camp on Sunday, 12 July and will depart for Morocco on Saturday, 18 July 2026, giving the technical team just over a week on North African soil before their opening fixture.

Sasol Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Ellis’ charges will be based in Casablanca and open their campaign against Tanzania on Monday, 27 July, before facing Ivory Coast on Friday, 31 July. The final group stage fixture, against Burkina Faso, has been scheduled for Tuesday, 4 August, with all three group matches to be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.

South Africa finished fourth at the 2024 edition of the tournament, where Nigeria lifted the trophy, and Ellis’ side will be determined to reclaim the continental crown they memorably won on home soil in 2022.

There is more at stake in Morocco than continental glory, as the top four nations at WAFCON 2026 will automatically secure their passage on the road to the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Sasol Banyana Banyana Preliminary Squad for WAFCON 2026

Goalkeepers

Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Katlego Moletsane (University of Fort Hare FC)

Defenders

Fikile Magama (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Shakira O’Malley (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Sinegugu Zondi (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Antonia Maponya (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (The University of the Western Cape FC)

Midfielders

Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjaelland, Denmark)
Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland)
Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy FC)
Zoe October (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Robyn Moodaly-Salgado (JVW FC)
Isabella Ludwig (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, Mexico)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Cimone Sauls (JVW FC)
Sibulele Holweni (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW FC)
Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Forwards

Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL, Mexico)
Hildah Magaia (Unattached)
Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC)
Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Sasol Banyana Banyana Group B Fixtures at WAFCON 2026 from Monday, 27 July to Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca

Monday, 27 July: South Africa vs. Tanzania
Friday, 31 July: South Africa vs. Ivory Coast
Tuesday, 4 August: South Africa vs. Burkina Faso

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Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a preliminary squad of 31 players ahead of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 16 August 2026. File Photo: SAFA

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