South Africa's national women's soccer team, Banyana Banyana, is gearing up for their upcoming CAF Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar, with head coach Desiree Ellis naming a strong 24-player squad. The qualifiers will take place at Toyota Stadium on October 9 and 13. Ellis has kept her goalkeeping unit intact, with Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, and Kebotseng Moletsane all retaining their spots following the WAFCON tournament.
In defence, Ellis has stuck with her tried-and-tested options, as Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama, and Bongeka Gamede continue to lead the backline. Sinegugu Zondi has earned a recall after missing out on WAFCON, replacing Asanda Hadebe. The team's midfield has also seen some changes, with Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, and Sibulele Holweni being left out of the side.
Captain Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, and Amogelang Motau make welcome returns to the team. With winning matches paramount, Ellis will need her forward line firing on all cylinders. The veteran coach has taken no chances, calling up primary attacking threats Thembi Kgatlana, Hilda Magaia, and Ronnel Donnelly.
The duo of Siyamthanda Qashani and Bonolo Mokona complete the squad after missing WAFCON, whilst Nthabiseng Majiya misses out. Securing positive results against Madagascar is critical for Banyana. The South Africans failed to qualify for the Olympic Games under Ellis in 2020 and 2024 following costly defeats to Botswana and Nigeria respectively.
Ellis and her squad face mounting pressure after failing to secure automatic World Cup qualification following a disappointing quarter-final exit at WAFCON. However, their global tournament hopes remain alive via the upcoming play-offs. With SAFA embarking on a new term following Danny Jordaan’s re-election as president, expectations are high for Banyana to seal Olympic qualification for the first time since 2016.
The team's chances of success will depend on the performance of key players, including Thembi Kgatlana, who has been in top form. Banyana Banyana Squad: Goalkeepers: Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Kebotseng Moletsane. Defenders: Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama, Bongeka Gamede, Sinegugu Zondi, Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Lonathemba Mhlongo.
The team will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges posed by Madagascar. With a strong squad and a determined coach, Banyana Banyana is ready to take on the challenge and make a push for Olympic qualification.
Key points
- Desiree Ellis names a 24-player squad for the upcoming CAF Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar.
- The team faces mounting pressure after failing to secure automatic World Cup qualification.
- Banyana Banyana is seeking to seal Olympic qualification for the first time since 2016.
