Banyana Banyana recall Kgatlana as Ellis targets third straight World Cup at Wafcon

Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has restored striker Thembi Kgatlana to a refreshed 26-player squad as South Africa launch a bid to secure a third consecutive Women’s World Cup place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco.

The reigning African champions begin their Group B campaign against Tanzania on Monday, 27 July, with Ellis openly acknowledging the difficulty of trimming her group while insisting the side is built to both qualify for the 2027 World Cup and compete deep into the continental tournament.

“It is never easy choosing the squad for any tournament, but it is something that has to be done and unfortunately, we cannot take all the players with us,” said Ellis.

“The mission is clear, qualify for the World Cup and then we see how far we go. And that means the focus for now is the opening game against Tanzania as it will set the tone for the tournament.”

Big names return as new faces get their chance

Ellis confirmed her final list on Friday, with Kgatlana among the headline inclusions.

The forward, one of South Africa’s most recognisable stars, returns after missing last year’s edition for personal reasons. Midfielder Robyn Moodaly-Salgado is also back in the national set-up, having last played for Banyana in 2023 before taking a break from international football, while Ronnell Donnelly has been recalled after sitting out most of the team’s recent camps.

There is also a first taste of Wafcon for several players: goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane, defenders or midfielders Asanda Hade and Antonia Maponya, as well as Isabella Ludwig, Khutso Pila and Zoe October have all been selected for their tournament debuts.

However, there were notable omissions, with Bonolo Mokoma and Shakira O’Malley missing out on the final cut.

‘Very difficult’ decisions for Ellis

Ellis said reducing the wider training group to the final tournament squad had been a demanding process.

“Bringing down the squad to 31 was very difficult, but even more so to come up with the final 26. We are satisfied with the selection we made, and we have complete faith that they will deliver on the mandate,” she said.

“We have a nice mixture of youth and experience and that was key in making our selection because while we have immediate goals, we still need to look beyond the tournament and not be found wanting.

“We are under no illusion that this competition will be tough, but we believe we have a balanced squad and are well prepared for what lies ahead of us.”

World Cup places on the line

This Wafcon doubles as the African qualifying path for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be staged in Brazil next year, with the semi-finalists guaranteed spots at the global finals.

Banyana Banyana have reached the last two Women’s World Cups and Ellis is clear that securing a third appearance remains the overriding objective.

“The mission is clear, qualify for the World Cup and then we see how far we go,” she reiterated.

Banyana have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. All of South Africa’s group fixtures will be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.

After opening against Tanzania on 27 July, Ellis’s side face Ivory Coast on 31 July before wrapping up their pool campaign against Burkina Faso on 4 August.

‘We promise not to disappoint’

The South African squad arrived in Morocco on Monday and have already held their first training session ahead of their opener against Tanzania.

Ellis paid tribute to the backing the team has received from the South African Football Association (SAFA), sponsors and fans, and said the players understand the pressure that comes with being continental champions.

“A big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for backing this team all the way, gratitude also goes to all the other partners who are behind Sasol Banyana Banyana and not forgetting the millions of South African fans who have invested their emotions with Banyana Banyana,” she said.

“We also depart with the full knowledge of the weight of expectations from all South Africans and we promise not to disappoint.”