Head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially named her final 26-player Banyana Banyana squad tasked with defending their continental crown at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The squad features a powerhouse blend of the legendary icons who lifted the trophy in 2022 alongside an exciting injection of next-generation talent. The biggest headline belongs to 18-year-old teenage sensation Zoe October, who has earned a historic first major tournament call-up as the youngest member of the traveling party.
The 26-Player Championship Roster
Ellis has opted for consistency and domestic dominance, leaning heavily on stars from Mamelodi Sundowns and UWC FC to anchor the campaign:
- Goalkeepers: The trusted trio of Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, and Kebotseng Moletsane retain their spots between the sticks.
- Defenders: Mamelodi Sundowns stars Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, and Khutso Pila form a formidable backline alongside UWC’s Lonathemba Mhlongo, Antonia Maponya, and Fikile Magama.
- Midfielders: Inspirational captain Refiloe Jane leads a stacked midfield engine room featuring Linda Motlhalo, Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Isabella Ludwig, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Sibulele Holweni, Bongeka Gamede, and Amogelang Motau.
- Forwards: Lethal world-class attackers Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia headline the frontline, supported by Nthabiseng Majiya, Ronnel Donnelly, and teen prodigy Zoe October.
Mission: Retain the Crown & Book a Ticket to Brazil
Banyana Banyana land in North Africa carrying immense expectations. Beyond defending their status as the queens of African football, there is a massive global prize on the line.
The World Cup Mandate: Reaching the WAFCON semi-finals will automatically secure South Africa’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Drawn in a tricky Group B, South Africa will kick off their title defense against a dangerous Tanzania side in Casablanca on July 27, 2026, before battling the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the round-robin stages.
