South Africa have unveiled a strong preliminary squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026.
Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a 31-player provisional squad for the tournament, which takes place from 26 July to 16 August in Morocco. The squad will be reduced to the final 26 players ahead of the team’s departure for North Africa later this month.
Ellis has retained the core of the group that has featured prominently for the South African senior women’s national team in recent months – highlighted by seasoned campaigners such as Thembi Kgatlana, Andile Dhlamini and Linda Mothlalo.
Banyana Banyana will enter the competition determined to return to the summit of African women’s football after finishing fourth at the 2024 edition, where Nigeria lifted the title. Having made history by winning their maiden continental championship in 2022 head to North African as strong candidates for the title.
The squad will assemble for camp on 12 July in Johannesburg before travelling to Morocco on 18 July to complete their final preparations.
Drawn in Group B, South Africa will face Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Ellis’ side will begin their campaign against Tanzania on 27 July before taking on Côte d’Ivoire on 31 July. They will conclude their group fixtures against Burkina Faso on 4 August, with all three matches scheduled to take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Rabat.
Beyond continental success, the tournament carries added significance, with the four semi-finalists securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 qualifying tournament.
South Africa preliminary squad:
GOALKEEPERS
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kaylin Swart (JVW FC), Katlego Moletsane (University of Fort Hare FC)
DEFENDERS
Fikile Magama (UWC FC), Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Bambani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sinegugu Zondi (UWC FC), Asanda Hadebe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Antonia Maponya (UWC FC), Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lonathemba Mhlongo (UWC FC)
MIDFIELDERS
Bongeka Gamede (Norsjaelland – Denmark), Linda Mothlalo (Glascow City, Scotland) Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy), Zoe October (UWC FC), Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns), Robyn Miidaly-Salgado (JVW FC), Isabela Ludwig (Mamelodi Sundowns), Amogelang Motau (Club Tuuana – Mexico), Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Cimone Sauls (JVW FC), Sibulele Holweni (UWC FC), Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW), Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC).
FORWARDS
Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL – Mexico), Hilda Magaia (Unattached), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Ronnel Donnelly (Mamelodi Sundowns).
