Hollywoodbets Super League Top Scorer and Player of the Season Omitted from Banyana Banyana Squad

TS Galaxy Queens forward Leandra Smeda was the star of the night at the Hollywoodbets Super League awards held in Johannesburg on Sunday, 1 February 2026, walking away with the biggest prize of Player of the Year for the 2025 season.

The 36-year-old veteran striker also scooped the Top Goal Scorer award, cementing her status as one of the most lethal forwards in South African women’s football.

Despite her outstanding achievements, Smeda was a notable omission from the 38-member Banyana Banyana squad announced by coach Dr Desiree Ellis for the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championship and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

All other Hollywoodbets award winners were rewarded for their performances with national team call-ups, making Smeda’s exclusion even more striking.

Rising Stars and Award Winners Earn Recognition

Bonolo Mokoma, the JVW youngster, capped off a breakthrough season by winning Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year. The defender-turned-forward impressed with 18 goals in her debut campaign, finishing second on the scorers’ chart. Her performances earned her a deserved place in the Banyana camp.

Dineo Magagula claimed the Goalkeeper of the Year award, edging out tough competition from Kaylin Swart of JVW and Kebotseng Moletsane of University of Fort Hare.

In the newly introduced categories, Karabo Dhlamini of Sundowns Ladies was named Defender of the Season, while Jessica Wade of JVW took home Midfielder of the Season. Both players have also been included in Ellis’s squad.

Smeda’s Omission Raises Questions

While Mokoma, Magagula, Dhlamini, Wade, and other award winners were rewarded with national team call-ups, Leandra Smeda’s absence stands out. As the reigning Hollywoodbets Super League Player of the Season and Top Goal Scorer, her exclusion has sparked debate among fans and analysts about selection criteria and the balance of experience versus youth in the squad.

The COSAFA Women’s Championship will be staged in Polokwane from 18 February to 1 March 2026, while the WAFCON is scheduled for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

The alignment camp will run across both tournaments, with the squad trimmed after COSAFA ahead of WAFCON.

Banyana Banyana full squad list

Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, and Casey Gordon

Defenders: Fikile Magama, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Shakira O’Malley, Sinegugu Zondi, Yolanda Nduli, Antonia Mponya, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Unathi Simayile, Khutso Pila, Sibahle Maneli, and Lebogang Ramalepe

Midfielders: Gabriel Salgado, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Gugu Dhlamini, Sibulele Holweni, Zoe October, Thorisho Mphelo, Bongeka Gamede, Jessica Wade, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Bongiwe Thusi, and Isabella Ludwig

Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, and Thato Mofola