Banyana Banyana: Desiree Ellis names final squad for World Cup qualifiers

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will head off to Rabat, Morocco. The mission is a 2027 FIFA World Cup spot in Brazil.

The preliminary Inter-Continental Play-offs phase runs from 28 November to 5 December 2026 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

South Africa need no less than a top two finish to progress to the final qualification phase in February 2027.

DESIREE ELLIS SELECTS BANYANA BANYANA SQUAD

Coach Desiree Ellis has selected a blend of experienced internationals and younger players for the crucial assignment. Key players include Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Hildah Magaia.

Mamelodi Sundowns have a strong representation in the squad, while several players currently ply their trade abroad.

Here is the full Banyana Banyana squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs:

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 (Denmark)
• Linda Motlhalo – Glasgow City (Scotland)
• Refiloe Jane – TS Galaxy Queens
• Amogelang Motau – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
• Noxolo Cesane – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Sibulele Holweni – FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
• Nonhlanhla Mthandi – Mamelodi Sundowns

Forwards

• Thembi Kgatlana – Tigres UANL (Mexico)
• Wendy Shongwe – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado – JVW FC
• Nthabiseng Majiya – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Hildah Magaia – Al-Ittihad WFC (Saudi Arabia)
• Ronnel Donnelly – Mamelodi Sundowns

SOUTH AFRICA FACE THREE CRUCIAL FIXTURES

Banyana Banyana will open their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Saturday, 28 November, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 South African time.

Ellis’ charges will then face Ecuador on Tuesday, 1 December, at 21:00 before completing their preliminary campaign against Uzbekistan on Saturday, 5 December, at 19:00.

Ghana and Papua New Guinea are also participating in the preliminary tournament, although Banyana will not face either nation.

The two teams that progress from Morocco will advance to the final qualification phase in February 2027, where the remaining World Cup places will be contested.

Brazil will host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Banyana will be determined to secure another appearance on football’s biggest international stage.