BREAKING: Ellis names squad for Olympic qualifiers

Rugby

Podcasts & Videos

The Club House

Win
–>

Banyana Banyana players warm-up during the 2026 WAFCON. Photo: Zakes Makautsi/Gallo Images

Home

Psl

Banyana

BREAKING: Ellis names squad for Olympic qualifiers

Sep 25, 2026 – 12:38 pm
By Siya Ndlela

Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named her final squad for the upcoming CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Madagascar in October.

South Africa’s next assignment sees them lock horns with Madagascar in a crucial two-legged second-round fixture.

The opening clash is scheduled for 9 October 2026, with the return leg following closely on 13 October 2026, both taking place at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Sasol Banyana Banyana 🇿🇦 Head Coach Dr.Desiree Ellis announces her final squad for the 2 upcoming CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Madagascar at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on the 9th and 13th October 2026. Both fixtures will kick off at 18:00.#SasolBanyanaBanyana… pic.twitter.com/AKNBrQY4Vj

This tie carries immense weight as the senior women’s national team looks to successfully navigate the continental pathway to book their ticket to the global stage, with the ultimate destination being the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.

On Friday, Ellis named a 24-player squad that includes a blend of youth and experience. Zoe October, Ronnel Donnelley and Bonolo Mokoena are among the youngest players in the squad, while Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Bambanani Mbane return to provide vital experience.

Having received a first-round bye as one of the continent’s heavyweights, Ellis’ charges do not feature in a traditional group stage format at this juncture.

Instead, they must navigate four rigorous knockout rounds to finish as one of the elite teams representing Africa in Los Angeles.

Survival against the Barea ladies of Madagascar over two legs will propel Mzansi into the third round, where they will square off against the winner of the tie between Angola and Namibia.

To ensure qualification, absolute precision will be required in every knockout phase to secure safe passage to the United States.

The reigning African giants will be highly motivated to put a bittersweet 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)