Desiree Ellis recalls key players for South Africa’s Olympic qualifiers

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has named a strong 24-player Banyana Banyana squad for their two CAF Olympic qualifying matches against Madagascar at Toyota Stadium on 9 and 13 October.

The squad includes established attacking players Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly as South Africa look to take a significant step towards Olympic qualification.

Ellis has retained the same three goalkeepers who were selected for the WAFCON tournament in the winter. Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart and Kebotseng Moletsane all remain involved.

There are few changes to the defensive group, with Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama and Bongeka Gamede continuing to form part of Ellis’ established options at the back.

Sinegugu Zondi returns after missing WAFCON, taking the place of Asanda Hadebe. Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela and Lonathemba Mhlongo are also included.

Captain Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Amogelang Motau have been brought back into the midfield. Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado and Sibulele Holweni are not part of the latest selection.

The attack also features recalls for Siyamthanda Qashani and Bonolo Mokona, who both missed WAFCON. Nthabiseng Majiya has been left out.

With qualification dependent on positive results over the two legs, Ellis will expect her forward line to deliver. South Africa failed to qualify for the Olympic Games under Ellis in 2020 and 2024, losing to Botswana and Nigeria respectively.

The matches come at a difficult time for Banyana Banyana, who failed to secure automatic World Cup qualification after exiting WAFCON in the quarter-finals. Their hopes of reaching the global tournament remain alive through the upcoming play-offs.

Expectations are also high as the South African Football Association begins a new term following Danny Jordaan’s re-election as president. Banyana Banyana are seeking to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 2016.

Banyana Banyana squad

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane

Defenders: Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama, Bongeka Gamede, Sinegugu Zondi, Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo

Midfielders: Refiloe Jane (captain), Linda Motlhalo, Amogelang Motau, Kholosa Biyana, Nomvula Kgoale, Sphumelele Shamase

Forwards: Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, Ronnel Donnelly, Siyamthanda Qashani, Bonolo Mokona, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Gabriela Salgado, Hildah Magaia