Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced her final 23-player squad for the crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying playoffs as South Africa prepare to battle for a place at next year’s global showpiece in Brazil.
Ellis has selected a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent for the preliminary phase of the intercontinental playoffs, which will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from November 28 to December 5.
The South Africans will face Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan as they attempt to secure progression to the final qualifying phase.
Leading the charge are some of the country’s biggest football stars, including forward Thembi Kgatlana, midfielder Linda Motlhalo, captain Refiloe Jane and striker Hildah Magaia.
Experienced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, alongside Kaylin Swart, will also be crucial to Banyana’s hopes of navigating a challenging qualifying campaign.
The defensive department features Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe and Fikile Magama, while Amogelang Motau, Noxolo Cesane and Nonhlanhla Mthandi are among the midfield options.
Up front, Ellis will also look to Wendy Shongwe, Ronnel Donnelly, Gabriela Salgado and young striker Nthabiseng Majiya to provide the firepower needed to overcome their opponents.
Three crucial matches
Banyana will open their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Saturday, November 28, at 4pm South African time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
They will return to action on Tuesday, December 1, when they face Ecuador at 9pm South African time at the same venue.
Their final preliminary-phase encounter will be against Uzbekistan on Saturday, December 5, at 7pm South African time.
The three matches will determine whether South Africa advances to the final phase of the qualifying competition.
No room for mistakes
The stakes are high for Ellis and her charges, who must finish among the top two teams in their preliminary group to progress to the final qualifying phase scheduled for February 2027.
The final phase will feature six nations competing in three knockout matches, with the winners securing the last three places available at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
South Africa’s opponents present different challenges, with Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan all eager to keep their own World Cup ambitions alive.
Banyana will therefore need to combine their international experience with consistency and clinical finishing to avoid an early setback.
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, and South Africa are determined to secure their place among the world’s leading women’s football nations.
For Ellis, the immediate task is to guide her team through the preliminary phase before turning their attention to the decisive knockout stage in February.