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SANDTON — South Africa head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis has officially unveiled her final 26-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Announced at the Sasol headquarters on Friday, the roster striking a calculated balance between seasoned international veterans and emerging domestic youth outlines South Africa’s dual objective: reclaiming the continental crown and securing a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The squad departs for North Africa this weekend to begin an early acclimatization camp ahead of their tournament opener on July 27.
World Cup Stakes Elevate Moroccan Showpiece
The stakes for the tournament, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16, 2026, extend far beyond continental bragging rights. WAFCON 2026 serves as the primary African qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Automatic Qualification: All four tournament semi-finalists will book a direct spot to Brazil next year.
- Playoff Opportunities: An additional two teams will advance to the intercontinental playoffs, keeping the door open for extended tournament runs.
South Africa enters the competition highly motivated following a challenging previous edition. Captain Refiloe Jane, who returns to full fitness after capitalizing on the tournament’s prior scheduling adjustments, emphasized the clarity of the team’s mission.
“It’s very important for us to do well in this upcoming tournament,” Jane stated. “We know the previous one did not go very well, but we all know what is at stake with this one. 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.”
Squad Dynamics: Experience, Key Returns, and Youth
Ellis has retained a core group of stalwarts boasting significant global tournament experience. Key figures include star striker Thembi Kgatlana, midfield engine Linda Motlhalo, defensive anchors Lebohang Ramalepe and Bambanani Mbane, and the elite goalkeeping duo of Kaylin Swart and Andile Dlamini.
Notably, forward Hildah Magaia, currently unattached but remembered for scoring both goals in the historic 2022 final victory over Morocco, gets the nod. The midfield sees a headline return for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, who steps out of retirement to join her spouse, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, who has successfully recovered from a severe leg injury sustained in the previous cycle.
While the team navigates the post-retirement absence of veteran leader Jermaine Seoposenwe, Ellis has infused the setup with promising young talent, including Isabella Ludwig, Ronnel Donnelly, and Zoe October.
The Final 26-Player Roster
Position | Players |
Goalkeepers | Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kebotseng Moletsane (University of Fort Hare) |
Defenders | Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, Khutso Pila (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Lonathemba Mhlongo, Antonia Maponya, Fikile Magama (all UWC) |
Midfielders | Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy Queens), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, SCO), Bongeka Gamede (FC Nordsjælland, DEN), Noxolo Cesane, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Isabella Ludwig (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado (both JVW FC); Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, MEX) |
Forwards | Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL, MEX), Nthabiseng Majiya, Zoe October (both UWC); Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns), Hildah Magaia (Unattached) |
Group B Schedule and Path to the Knockouts
South Africa has been placed in a highly competitive Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. Under the tournament structure, the top two teams from each group will advance directly to the quarterfinal knockout stage.
Coach Ellis maintained a strictly disciplined outlook regarding their group opponents, stressing that no team can be taken lightly on the continental stage.
“We chose players who we believe will be able to help us reach our goals of reaching the semifinals of the tournament,” said Ellis. “We will not underestimate or undermine any of the teams in the group, but we will give them respect and just play to our strengths with the goal of winning our matches. We are going to play one game at a time; the first objective is to win our first game against Tanzania.”
South Africa Group Stage Fixtures
Date | Opponent | Venue |
July 27, 2026 | Tanzania | Casablanca |
July 31, 2026 | Ivory Coast | Casablanca |
August 4, 2026 | Burkina Faso | Casablanca |
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