Ellis names 24-player Banyana Banyana squad for Madagascar Olympic tie

Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has selected her final 24-player squad for South Africa’s CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Madagascar in October.

The two sides will meet in a decisive second-round tie, with both matches scheduled to take place at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. The first leg is on 9 October 2026, followed by the return fixture on 13 October 2026.

The series is part of South Africa’s bid to reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the United States. Banyana Banyana must progress through the African qualifying rounds to secure one of the continent’s places at the tournament.

Ellis announced the squad on Friday, with a combination of emerging players and experienced internationals included.

Zoe October, Ronnel Donnelley and Bonolo Mokoena are among the youngest members of the group. Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Bambanani Mbane bring added experience as South Africa begin their qualification campaign.

South Africa received a first-round bye because of their status as one of Africa’s leading women’s teams. They do not enter the competition through a conventional group stage, and instead face a knockout route towards Olympic qualification.

Four rounds of knockout football stand between Banyana Banyana and a place in Los Angeles. Their immediate task is to overcome Madagascar, known as the Barea ladies, across the two matches in Bloemfontein.

Victory would send South Africa into the third round, where they would face either Angola or Namibia. Those two teams will contest their own second-round tie for the opportunity to meet the reigning African champions.

The qualifying format leaves little room for error, with South Africa needing to negotiate each knockout phase successfully to remain on course for the United States.

Ellis’ side will also be determined to respond after what was described as a bittersweet 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Madagascar fixtures now represent the next step in their attempt to reach another major international tournament.

The October tie therefore carries significance beyond the two matches themselves, as Banyana Banyana try to maintain their position among Africa’s leading teams and continue their route towards the 2028 Olympic Games.