Banyana Banyana, South Africa's women's football team, is eager to return to the Olympics after failing to qualify for the last two editions. Their journey to the 2028 Games begins with a two-legged fixture against Madagascar in the second round of the CAF qualifiers. The team is led by coach Desiree Ellis, who has kept the bulk of the squad that featured at the recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The first leg against Madagascar will take place at the Free State Stadium on Friday, with the second leg scheduled for the same venue next Tuesday. Both games will kick off at 6pm. Madagascar, ranked 191st in the world, 134 places behind Banyana, will have to play their home match at the same venue due to CAF regulations. The team's coach, Desiree Ellis, has made some changes to the squad, omitting six players and including three players who were previously excluded.
The CAF qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics involve 30 countries, with the second round featuring two-legged fixtures. The remaining 16 nations will compete in the third round, scheduled for February/March next year. The fourth round will take place in October next year, and the final phase will be a month later. Only two teams will represent Africa at the 2028 Olympics, which are scheduled to run from July 11-29 in Los Angeles.
Banyana have a rich history in the Olympics, having participated in two previous Games. Their first appearance was in London in 2012, followed by their second and last appearance in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. On both occasions, South Africa was eliminated in the group stages. The team is determined to make a lasting impact in the 2028 Olympics.
Coach Desiree Ellis has included some experienced players in the squad, including those who featured at the recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. However, six players have been excluded, including Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Asanda Hadebe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Siyabulela Holweni, and Lebogang Ramalepe. Three players who were previously omitted have made a return to the squad.
The squad includes some new faces, with Siyamthanda Qashani of the University of Pretoria being the only newcomer. The team will face a tough challenge in the qualifiers, but they are determined to succeed. The 2028 Olympics will feature 32 teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages.
Banyana's journey to the 2028 Olympics begins with a crucial two-legged fixture against Madagascar. The team's performance in the qualifiers will determine their chances of making it to the Games. With a strong squad and experienced coach, Banyana is confident of achieving their goal.
Key points
- Banyana face Madagascar in a two-legged fixture in the second round of the CAF qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics.
- The team is determined to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, their first appearance since 2016.
- Only two teams will represent Africa at the 2028 Olympics.
