South Africa Finalizes Experienced WAFCON Squad
Desiree Ellis has nailed her colours to the mast. South Africa’s coach has gone with know‑how, scars and big‑tournament nerve for a 26‑player squad tasked with defending the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown in Morocco – and punching a ticket to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The stakes could hardly be higher. WAFCON, running from July 26 to August 16, doubles as Africa’s qualifying route, with the four semi‑finalists going straight to the World Cup and two more nations getting a lifeline through intercontinental playoffs.
Ellis has responded by calling on the spine that carried Banyana Banyana to the 2022 title.
World Cup core returns
Up front, Thembi Kgatlana is back to lead the line, the undisputed reference point in attack. Around her, familiar names return: midfield technicians Linda Motlhalo and captain Refiloe Jane, defensive stalwarts Lebohang Ramalepe and Bambanani Mbane, and the trusted goalkeeping duo of Kaylin Swart and Andile Dlamini.
The message is clear: this is no experimental tour. This is a title defence with World Cup qualification on the line.
There is also a remarkable comeback story. Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, who had previously retired from football, returns to the national team and will share a dressing room – and possibly a pitch – with her spouse, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado. Gabriela’s inclusion is particularly striking given what she has come through: she suffered a horrific broken leg at the last WAFCON.
Another big call comes in attack. Hildah Magaia, currently unattached at club level, has been included. Her status may be uncertain, but her pedigree is not. Magaia scored both goals in the 2022 final win over hosts Morocco, delivering South Africa’s first and only continental title. Ellis is clearly betting that a player who thrives on the big stage will rise to the occasion again.
Tough group, clear objective
Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B and start against Tanzania in Casablanca on July 27. Four days later they face Ivory Coast, before rounding off the pool against Burkina Faso on August 4. The equation is simple: finish in the top two and reach the quarterfinals, where the real fight for those World Cup places begins.
Inside the camp, nobody is pretending this is just another tournament.
“We know the previous one did not go very well, but we all know what is at stake with this one,” said captain Jane, referencing South Africa’s disappointment since lifting the trophy two years ago. “It is a World Cup qualifying tournament, so the main objective is to qualify for the World Cup, and then we will take everything further from there.”
Jane’s timely return and a ‘blessing in disguise’
Jane herself arrives in Morocco on the back of a personal battle. An injury setback had threatened to derail her preparations, but the postponement of the tournament changed everything.
“It was a blessing in disguise when the tournament was postponed because we were still in the off-season,” she explained. With domestic leagues now up and running, players have built match fitness at club level instead of drifting into camp cold.
“Now that the league has started and players have got minutes under their belts, it is helping the team in a way. Personally, I am happy that I am able to start with the team on a high note and build from there. We're grateful that the league has started and that we are doing well as individuals in our respective teams.”
For Ellis, having her captain fully fit and playing regularly is no small gain. Jane remains the metronome in midfield and the emotional barometer of this side.
Filling a giant void
Not every story is about return. Some are about absence.
Veteran midfielder Jermaine Seoposenwe has retired, leaving a significant gap in both personality and play. Jane did not sugar‑coat the impact.
“Obviously, we know that Jermaine was a big part of the team, and her absence is felt, whether on or off the field. She is a special kind of person and player and whenever a senior player leaves the team, there is a gap left.”
The hope now is that the next generation steps into that space.
“I am hoping that the younger players have learned from her, and we're hoping that with the players we have, we will be able to move forward,” Jane added.
That is the balance Ellis has tried to strike: a hardened core of World Cup and WAFCON veterans, surrounded by emerging talent from Mamelodi Sundowns, University of the Western Cape and beyond, all asked to grow up quickly in a pressure cooker.
Jane has been clear about priorities. The immediate mission is qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The parallel ambition is to hold onto the WAFCON crown in a field that has been steadily closing the gap on South Africa.
In Morocco, Banyana Banyana will discover whether experience, resilience and a few timely comebacks are enough to keep them on Africa’s throne – and on the global stage.
