Ellis names Banyana’s 2026 WAFCON squad

Banyana Banyana head coach, Desiree Ellis, has named a 26-player squad that will represent South Africa at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off in Morocco later this month.

Ellis has kept her goalkeeping department intact, with Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, and Kebotseng Moletsane all retaining their spots.

The defence will be made up of Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Khutso Pila, Asanda Hadebe, Antonia Maponya, and Lonathemba Mhlongo, while Tiisetso Makhubela, Sinegugu Zondi, and Shakira O’Malley miss out after being cut from the preliminary 31-player squad.

In midfield, Ellis opted for 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.

Banyana have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Ready for Africa! 🌍🏆 Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially announced her final 26-player squad for WAFCON 2026. Let’s go out there and make the nation proud, ladies! 🇿🇦⚽💚💛@SasolinSport @adidasZA @adidasfootball@StandardBankZA
@stayfree… pic.twitter.com/qON5qqpjzH

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) July 17, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari