Banyana Banyana suffer blow with four key players set to miss DR Congo clash

Banyana Banyana will be without four key players during their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo on Wednesday.

South Africa take on the Congolese away but they will not have Mexico-based quartet Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, Amogelang Motau and Sinoxolo Cesane for the first leg with the four expected to fly directly to Johannesburg and link up with the rest of the squad on Thursday.

It is a blow for coach Desiree Ellis, who had hoped to have the prolific and experienced forwards for the first leg, having included them in her squad.

Kgatlana particularly will be a big miss after she had made a return to the national team, having missed WAFCON 2024 over some personal reasons, as Banyana Banyana failed to defend their title by finishing fourth.

Who are the attacking options for Banyana?

The striker has scored six goals for her Mexican club UANL Tigres, including a brace last weekend as they thrashed Atletico San Luis.

Kgatlana’s absence, plus the other three, leaves DR Congo-based Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, JVW’s Bonolo Mokoma, Nthabiseng Majiya and Thato Mofolo of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and the University of Johannesburg respectively as the attacking options for coach Ellis.

Meanwhile, Denmark-based Bongeka Gamede has arrived in camp while Glasgow City’s Linda Motlhalo is expected on Tuesday for the two-legged fixture which South Africa hope to start with a win.

Banyana Banyana assembled on Sunday, when they had a training session, before departing for Congo the same day, and will have had two more days of preparations before the big match on Wednesday. The return leg match will be held at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday October 28.