Banyana Banyana have been handed a timely lift ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as star forward Thembi Kgatlana rejoins the national squad.
The 2018 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year has been named in coach Desiree Ellis’s lineup for the upcoming clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo later this month.
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Kgatlana missed South Africa’s title defence at this year’s WAFCON due to personal reasons, where Banyana were knocked out by eventual champions Nigeria.
Despite a spirited campaign, Banyana finished fourth after losing 4-3 on penalties to Ghana in the third-place playoff in Casablanca, Morocco, in July. Her return now provides a timely lift as South Africa look to reclaim their continental crown.
“The Banyana Banyana squad to face DR Congo in the WAFCON 2025 qualifiers has been named,” SAFA confirmed in a statement.
“The team will assemble on 19 October and depart for DR Congo on the same day. The first leg will be played on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, while the return leg will take place at FNB Stadium.”
Adding to the optimism, SAFA also announced that coach Desiree Ellis has been reappointed on a new five-year deal, reaffirming confidence in the woman who guided South Africa to their first-ever WAFCON title in 2022.
The decision followed the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mbombela this week, chaired by President Danny Jordaan.
With Ellis’s leadership and Kgatlana’s explosive return, Banyana Banyana enter the qualifiers with renewed energy and a strong sense of purpose. Their mission is clear — to qualify for Morocco 2026 and reclaim the trophy that once made them the pride of African women’s football.