Desiree Ellis names Banyana squad for World Cup play-offs

November 10, 2026

Banyana Banyana head coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, has named a 23-player squad for the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off tournament in Morocco.

The mini-tournament will take place from 28 November to 5 December 2026.

Ellis has retained most of the players who recently represented the country in back-to-back Olympic Games qualifiers against Madagascar in Bloemfontein, with South Africa winning both matches.

Denmark-based midfielder Sibulele Holweni also makes her return to the squad, receiving her first call-up since moving to Europe last month.

“There were other players that we were looking at, but due to exams, injuries and a lack of valid passports, we had to omit them. But we are happy with the selections we have made, as they give us a balanced squad that we believe will get the required outcomes in Morocco,” Ellis said.

Banyana Banyana will, however, be without captain Refiloe Jane for their opening match, as she will be serving a one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the WAFCON play-off clash against Nigeria back in August.

The preliminary play-off tournament will be held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

South Africa begin their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Saturday, 28 November, at 16:00 SA time.

They will then face Ecuador on Tuesday, 1 December, at 21:00, before wrapping up their mini-tournament campaign against Uzbekistan on Saturday, 5 December, at 19:00.

Mission Morocco locked in! 🇿🇦✈️🇲🇦

Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially named her final squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Inter-Continental Play-offs.
The stage is set, and the team is ready. 💚💛

#NtswembuNamanje https://t.co/zElE7awyRn

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 10, 2026