Banyana final WAFCON squad: Desiree Ellis makes surprise decisions

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has made several key decisions in selecting her final 26-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) in Morocco this July.

The announcement was made on Friday afternoon at Sasol Place in Johannesburg, concluding a week-long assessment of a 31-player preliminary group.

The squad blends seasoned veterans with emerging talent. Stalwarts such as Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo will provide crucial experience, while the inclusion of 16-year-old Zoe October, born in 2008, highlights a focus on youth.

Banyana coach on tough WAFCON calls

However, the 2022 champions will be without forward Jermaine Seoposenwe, who confirmed her retirement from international football earlier this year.

Ellis acknowledged the challenge of finalising the roster. “We had to select 26; it was not easy,” she said. “But they know that they are on standby, they know that they are still part of the team. They were part of our training this morning. We keep them in the loop.”

Drawn in Group B, Banyana Banyana will face Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. All of their group stage matches will be held at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.

World Cup ticket at stake in Morocco

South Africa will begin their campaign against Tanzania on July 27. Banyana Banyana are looking to win their second continental title after finishing fourth at the 2024 edition.

At the time, South Africa were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions Nigeria in the semi-final before losing the third-place play-off on post-match penalties to Ghana.

This year’s tournament has added significance as it is also serving as the World Cup qualifier with the four nations that will make it to the semi-final set to represent Africa at next year’s tournament in Brazil.