Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced her final 23-player squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Inter-Continental Play-Offs, which will take place in Morocco from 28 November to 5 December 2026.
South Africa will be hoping to keep their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive as they prepare for a crucial campaign against international opposition.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with familiar names such as Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo included.
Mamelodi Sundowns have the strongest representation in the squad, while players from clubs in Mexico, Scotland, Denmark and Saudi Arabia also feature.
The full Banyana Banyana squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Katlego Moletsane (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Defenders: Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Antonia Maponya (University of the Western Cape), Lonathemba Mhlongo (University of the Western Cape), Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns), Fikile Magama (University of the Western Cape), Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sibulele Holweni (FC Nordsjælland), Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Forwards: Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL), Wendy Shongwe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW FC), Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns), Hildah Magaia (Al-Ittihad WFC), Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Banyana Banyana will open their campaign against Chinese Taipei on 28 November before facing Ecuador on 1 December. They will conclude the preliminary phase against Uzbekistan on 5 December.
South Africa must finish among the top two teams to advance to the final qualification phase in February 2027, where the remaining places at the World Cup will be decided.
With the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup set to take place in Brazil, Ellis and her charges will be determined to navigate the play-offs and secure another appearance on football’s biggest stage.