Banyana Banyana set sights on Olympic return in Madagascar showdown

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are determined to end their Olympic absence as they begin their 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign against Madagascar.

The South Africans missed the last two editions of the Olympic Games and will be eager to take an important step towards returning to the global showpiece when they face Madagascar in the second round.

The first leg will be played on Friday, with the return fixture scheduled for Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Ellis highlights importance of Olympic return

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes qualification would carry significance beyond the current squad, particularly for younger players hoping to gain experience at the highest level.

Getting back to the Olympics would give the emerging members of the team an opportunity to compete on a global stage while helping the squad regain its place among the world’s leading women’s football teams.

South Africa were handed a direct place in the second round after being seeded for the competition, leaving them with a two-leg tie against Madagascar as their first hurdle on the route to Los Angeles.

Madagascar, meanwhile, had to navigate the opening round before reaching this stage. They secured their place after edging South Sudan 2-1 on aggregate.

Long road to Los Angeles

The tie represents only the beginning of a lengthy qualification process, with Banyana Banyana needing to negotiate several more rounds before they can secure an Olympic berth.

Africa will have only two places at the 2028 Olympic Games, meaning the margin for error will become increasingly narrow as the tournament progresses.

The continent’s final two Olympic representatives will only be determined in the fifth and final qualifying round, scheduled to take place in November and December 2027.

For Ellis and her players, the immediate focus is therefore on navigating the Madagascar challenge and building a strong foundation before the return leg in Bloemfontein.

Banyana Banyana will hope their experience and status as one of Africa’s established women’s football sides can help them overcome the first obstacle on what promises to be a demanding journey.

After missing the previous two Olympic tournaments, South Africa have made their ambition clear: the road to Los Angeles starts with getting past Madagascar.