With a massive year of football on the horizon, Banyana Banyana head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially named a formidable 38-member preliminary squad. The group will assemble for a specialized “Alignment Camp” designed to synchronize the team’s tactical approach for two of the continent’s biggest prizes: the COSAFA Women’s Championship and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
This “extended” squad allows Ellis to assess a wider pool of talent, blending the experience of the 2022 WAFCON champions with fresh faces from the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Two Tournaments, One Goal
The Alignment Camp is more than just practice; it is a high-intensity audition for players looking to secure their spot on the final plane to Morocco.
- COSAFA Women’s Championship (Feb 18 – March 1, 2026): Held in Polokwane, South Africa, this regional tournament will serve as the first major test. Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group A alongside Malawi, Lesotho, and Angola.
- WAFCON 2026 (March 17 – April 3, 2026): The ultimate prize. Taking place in Morocco, the tournament features an expanded 16-team format. South Africa is in Group B with Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.
- The World Cup Stake: WAFCON 2026 isn’t just about the trophy—it is the official African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The semi-finalists will automatically punch their ticket to the global stage.
Key Camp Logistics
- Local Assembly: The team will go into camp on Friday, 13 February 2025.
- International Reinforcements: Overseas-based stars (like Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo) are expected to join the squad during the FIFA international window starting 25 February.
- The Cut: Following the COSAFA tournament, the 38-member list will be trimmed to a final, lean WAFCON squad.
