Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced her 31-player preliminary squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Banyana’s main target for the tournament is to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which requires them to reach the semi-finals.
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Ellis’ side have been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, kicking off their tournament against the latter on 27 July.
Banyana won the competition in 2022, but finished fourth in the previous edition in 2024, when Nigeria lifted a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Ellis named 31 players in her preliminary squad for the tournament, headlined by Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo Bambanani Mbane, Andile Dlamini and long-term captain Refiloe Jane.
Tiisetso Makhubela and Ronell Donnelly return to the squad after missing previous camps due to injury, while Cimone Sauls is a surprise inclusion.
Robyn Moodaly-Salgado makes a return to the squad after taking a break from international football in 2023 to take care of her mental health.
Below is Ellis’ prelim squad in full:
