Desiree Ellis names South Africa squad for 2027 Women’s World Cup play-offs

South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has selected a 23-player squad for the preliminary phase of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

The tournament’s opening phase will run from 28 November to 5 December, with Banyana Banyana beginning their campaign against Chinese Taipei on 28 November. They will then face Ecuador and Uzbekistan.

Papua New Guinea and Ghana are also included in the group, but South Africa will not play either side. Instead, Ellis’s team will concentrate on their matches against Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan.

South Africa must finish in the top two in Rabat to reach the tournament’s final phase, which begins in February 2027. The two teams progressing from the preliminary stage will be joined by two nations from Concacaf, one from UEFA and one from CONMEBOL.

The final phase will consist of single-match ties. The winner of each tie will claim one of the last three places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The squad announcement comes after South Africa were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 WAFCON. Banyana Banyana will return to Morocco aiming to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

Ellis has included goalkeepers Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart and Katlego Moletsane.

The defensive options are Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Antonia Maponya, Bambanani Mbane, Lonathemba Mhlongo and Khutso Pila.

South Africa’s midfield selection comprises Bongeka Gamede, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Noxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni and Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

The forwards are Thembi Kgatlana, Wendy Shongwe, Ronnel Donnelly, Hildah Magaia, Gabriela Salgado and Nthabiseng Majiya.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane

Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Antonia Maponya, Bambanani Mbane, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Khutso Pila

Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Noxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni, Nonhlanhla Mthandi

Forwards: Thembi Kgatlana, Wendy Shongwe, Ronnel Donnelly, Hildah Magaia, Gabriela Salgado, Nthabiseng Majiya