Banyana Banyana squad confirmed for crucial World Cup qualifying campaign

Desiree Ellis has named her 23-player squad for a crucial qualifying campaign. Three matches stand between Banyana Banyana and the next step towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Can they deliver?Picture: BackpagePix / File

BANYANA Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named her final 23-player squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Morocco, where South Africa will be aiming to take another step towards the 2027 showpiece in Brazil.

The preliminary Inter-Continental Play-offs phase will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex from November 28 to December 5, 2026.

South Africa must finish among the top two teams to advance to the final qualification phase in February 2027, leaving little room for error in a campaign featuring three matches in eight days.

Ellis has opted for a mix of established internationals and younger players, with experienced campaigners Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Hildah Magaia included.

Mamelodi Sundowns have a strong presence in the squad, while several players represent clubs outside South Africa.

Three matches to secure progress

Banyana begin their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Saturday, November 28. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm South African time.

Their second assignment is against Ecuador on Tuesday, December 1, at 9pm, before they complete the preliminary phase against Uzbekistan on Saturday, December 5, with kick-off at 7pm.

Ghana and Papua New Guinea are also taking part in the preliminary tournament, although neither will face South Africa.

The two teams that progress from Morocco will move into the final qualification phase in February 2027, when the remaining places at the World Cup will be contested.

Brazil will host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Banyana will be looking to secure another appearance on the international stage.

The 23-player Banyana Banyana squad

Ellis’s selection includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards.

Goalkeepers

Andile Dlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns
Kaylin Swart – JVW FC
Katlego Moletsane – Mamelodi Sundowns

Defenders

Karabo Dhlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns
Lebohang Ramalepe – Mamelodi Sundowns
Antonia Maponya – University of the Western Cape
Lonathemba Mhlongo – University of the Western Cape
Khutso Pila – Mamelodi Sundowns
Fikile Magama – University of the Western Cape
Bambanani Mbane – Mamelodi Sundowns

Midfielders

Bongeka Gamede – FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
Linda Motlhalo – Glasgow City (Scotland)
Refiloe Jane – TS Galaxy Queens
Amogelang Motau – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Noxolo Cesane – Mamelodi Sundowns
Sibulele Holweni – FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi – Mamelodi Sundowns

Forwards

Thembi Kgatlana – Tigres UANL (Mexico)
Wendy Shongwe – Mamelodi Sundowns
Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado – JVW FC
Nthabiseng Majiya – Mamelodi Sundowns
Hildah Magaia – Al-Ittihad WFC (Saudi Arabia)

Three matches to secure progress

The 23-player Banyana Banyana squad

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