Banyana Banyana Set for Busy 2026 with COSAFA and WAFCON Double Header
SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has named a 38-player provisional squad for an Alignment Camp that will span the COSAFA Women’s Championship and lead directly into the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The camp is set to begin on Friday, 13 February 2026, as the South African women’s national team steps up preparations for a demanding international calendar.
The COSAFA Women’s Championship will take place in Polokwane from 18 February to 1 March 2026, before attention shifts to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April. International-based players are expected to link up with the squad from 25 February during the FIFA window.
Banyana Banyana were drawn into Group A at COSAFA, alongside Malawi, Lesotho and Angola. Ellis confirmed that the squad will train and compete together throughout the regional tournament, with the group expected to be trimmed ahead of WAFCON as the camp continues seamlessly across both competitions.
One of the major talking points surrounding the squad announcement is the omission of Leandra Smeda, despite her outstanding domestic season. The TS Galaxy Queens forward was recently crowned Hollywoodbets Super League Player of the Season and Top Goal Scorer at the awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on 1 February 2026, but has not been included in the provisional group.
Several other award winners, however, were rewarded with call-ups. JVW FC striker Bonolo Mokoma, who claimed both Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year after scoring 18 goals, has been included. Goalkeeper of the Year Dineo Magagula also made the squad, alongside Defender of the Season Karabo Dhlamini and Midfielder of the Season Jessica Wade.
Ellis’s selection blends experience with emerging talent as Banyana Banyana build towards defending continental honours and maintaining their status among Africa’s elite.
Banyana Banyana provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon
Defenders: Fikile Magama, Asanda Hadebe, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Shakira O’Malley, Sinegugu Zondi, Yolanda Nduli, Antonia Mponya, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Unathi Simayile, Khutso Pila, Sibahle Maneli, Lebogang Ramalepe
Midfielders: Gabriela Salgado, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Gugu Dhlamini, Sibulele Holweni, Zoe October, Thorisho Mphelo, Bongeka Gamede, Jessica Wade, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Bongiwe Thusi, Isabella Ludwig
Forwards: Noxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Thato Mofola