Banyana Banyana coach Desire Ellis yet to sign new contract on the eve of WAFCON 2026 qualifiers

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to reach an agreement with Banyana Banyana coach Desire Ellis over a new deal.

Ellis contract with SAFA expired last year and has since not signed on to a new deal ahead of the final round of the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Banyana Banyana will lock horns with DR Congo in a crucial WAFCON qualifier, with victories in both legs crucial for qualification. South Africa travels to Kinshasa for the first leg tie on Wednesday, October 22 before the reverse fixture at FNB Stadium on October 28.

The team commenced preparation for the much-anticipated clash at the weekend, but it is unknown whether Ellis will lead the team.

SAFA NEC ratified Ellis’ contract but the mystery surrounding the coach’s signature is a shock given that Wafcon 2026 qualifiers begins on Wednesday.

“Coach Desiree’s contract expired last year and it was a matter of the technical committee putting a recommendation to the NEC in terms of, are we reappointing her or are we looking for somebody else,” the CEO said to SABC Sport.

“I don’t get involved in the appointment, I can’t talk on that but obviously us as administration we are guided by the decisions of the NEC. Now, the recommendation was taken to the NEC and it was approved.”

The winner of this two-legged match will qualify for WAFCON in Morocco next year with the last four nations qualifying for Women’s World Cup in Brazil.