By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Desiree Ellis has announced her final Banyana Banyana squad for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 to be played between 26 July and 16 July in Morocco.
Banyana Banyana have been drawn into Group B alongside the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.
The final list of players was named on Friday afternoon at Sasol Place in Johannesburg.
In defence, Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Khutso Pila, Asanda Hadebe, Antonia Maponya, Sibulele Holweni and Lonathemba Mhlongo have made the cut, whilst Sinegugu Zondi, and Shakira O’Malley were dropped.
In the middle of the park, Ellis has stuck with familiar faces, including Refiloe Jane, Bongeka Gamede, Linda Motlhalo, Isabella Ludwig, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Amogelang Motau, Noxolo Cesane, and the duo of Robyn and Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado.
Cimone Sauls and Tiisetso Makhubela have missed out on a spot in the final squad.
Banyana Banyana will have to do without Jermaine Seoposenwe up front, but Ellis has called up Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Nthabiseng Majiya, Ronnel Donnelly, and Zoe October. Born in 2008, October is the youngest player in the team.
Banyana Banyana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Kebotseng Moletsane (University of Fort Hare FC)
Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Lonathemba Mhlongo (The University of the Western Cape FC), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Antonia Maponya (The University of the Western Cape FC), Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Fikile Magama (The University of the Western Cape FC)
Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordjaelland *Denmark*), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW FC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City *Scotland*), Nonhlanhla Mathandi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens FC), Sibulele Holweni (The University of the Western Cape FC), Isabella Ludwig (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuan *Mexico*)
Forwards: Hildah Magaia (Unattached), Thembi Kgatlana ( Tigers Unal *Mexico*), Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Zoe October (The University of the Western Cape FC)
“It is never easy choosing the squad for any tournament, but it is something that has to be done and unfortunately, we cannot take all the players with us. Bringing down the squad to 31 was very difficult, but even more so to come up with the final 26. We are satisfied with the selection we made, and we have complete faith that they will deliver on the mandate.
“A big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for backing this team all the way, gratitude also goes to all the other partners who are behind Sasol Banyana Banyana and not forgetting the millions of South Africans fans who have invested their emotions with Banyana Banyana.” Ellis said.
Sasol meanwhile officially launched its new Sasol Banyana Banyana campaign, “Ntswembu, Namanje”, following the announcement of the squad.
Launching the campaign, Nozipho Mlambo, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol, said Ntswembu, Namanje marks the next chapter in Sasol’s longstanding commitment to women’s football. Ntswembu, Namanje is a celebration of the confidence, excellence and resilience that define Sasol Banyana Banyana today. While we are proud to launch the campaign as the team prepares for WAFCON, it represents a long-term commitment to celebrating and growing women’s football for years to come.
Rooted in authentic football culture, the campaign celebrates the passion, resilience and pride that have come to define Sasol Banyana Banyana while reinforcing Sasol’s belief that lasting success is built through consistency and unwavering support. It also honours nearly 17 years of Sasol’s investment in growing women’s football and inspiring future generations of players.
Anastasia Tsichlas, SAFA Vice President and NEC Member, said: “The partnership between SAFA and Sasol is one of the most enduring and impactful partnerships in South African sport. For nearly two decades, Sasol has not simply sponsored women’s football but helped build it. Together, we have transformed the women’s game into a source of national pride and continental success.