South Africa secured a 1-0 win over Algeria in their first international friendly match played at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.

Dr Ellis’ side took the lead in the 35th minute through a wonderful goal by Nthabiseng Majiya to seal the victory in Durban.

Banyana will be back in action on Friday when they take on the same opponents in the second match set to be played at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban.

“I am happy with the result, but we can still improve on the performance,” said Dr Ellis

“But it was not an easy game as we have not played together since last year, yes some were involved in the COSAFA Cup but not all of them, so it was important to give other players minutes.

“This was also key because local players have not played league football, with the exception of Linda in Scotland and Hilda in Spain.

“We will obviously look at what we are going to do in the next game because we want to utilise these matches not just to play these players but to work on other things in the game.”

The post Dr Ellis: We Can Still Improve on The Performance appeared first on SportsClub.

The 16th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will, for the first time, feature 16 teams in an expansion of the tournament that speaks to the continued growth of the game.

It will be hosted in Morocco for a third successive time, with the hosts hoping to go one better than their previous two finals but face stiff competition from the rest of an improving pack.

Ten-time champions Nigeria, who completed what they called Mission X just nine months ago at WAFCON 2024 (which was played in July 2025 after a clash with the Paris Olympics caused the tournament to be delayed) go in as strong favourites with South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, 2022 champions and a team that has not missed out on a spot in the last nine WAFCONs over two decades, not far behind.

That statistic is important because this year’s WAFCON also serves as a qualification campaign for next year’s World Cup. Africa has four spots at the tournament, which means that the winners of the four WAFCON quarterf inals will book their tickets to Brazil.

If history is a barometer, Banyana Banyana should be confident of their chances of going to a third World Cup and building on their progression from the previous two.

After failing to win a match or even score a goal in 2019, they became the first senior national football side to make it out of the group stage in 2023 and will hope to get the chance to go further in 2027.

To get there, they have to have a successful WAFCON, where they have been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, all of whom are ranked well below South Africa.

Banyana are the continent’s secondbest team, behind Nigeria, and 55th in the FIFA’s rankings.

Ivory Coast, who were included in WAFCON as one of the best four teams who were eliminated during the qualification stage, are 17 places below them at 72nd in the world.

Burkina Faso and Tanzania come in at 118th and 121st respectively, though South Africa will be wary of both.

Burkina Faso climbed 16 spots in the recent update while Tanzania held Banyana to a 1–1 draw in the previous WAFCON.

South Africa finished fourth in that tournament, after topping Group C and beating Senegal on penalties in the quarter-final but lost 2-1 to Nigeria in a fraught semi-final in Casablanca.

That result ended Banyana’s hopes of defending the title they won three years earlier and exposed the gap in quality left by the unavailability of striker Thembi Kgatlana, who was absent for personal reasons.

Mexico-based Kgatlana could be back for this event, which will significantly boost Banyana’s attack, but they will be without Jermaine Seoposenwe, who retired after the last WAFCON.

Seoposenwe cited her own mental health and the poor treatment of women’s players in the country as reasons for walking away.

“I haven’t been happy in the national team for a very long time,” she said on Marawa Sports Worldwide in July 2025.

“It’s definitely the (South African Football) Association (SAFA) and the treatment of us in many instances.

“I tried to wrap my head around it but as a player, it’s difficult, especially being overseas and in an environment where our directors try to make everything as equal as possible.

“Every time we go to a major tournament, we must fight about money and basically everything. Why do we have to fight? Why can’t you plan out for the year? FIFA gives you a calendar of what we are going to do, why can’t you budget for those FIFA dates? Why is it so impossible for you to do well by us?”

SAFA have not covered themselves in glory when it comes to their handling of the women’s game since.

Longserving coach Desiree Ellis was without a contract for over a year from mid-2024 and was not part of the management group that oversaw Banyana’s qualification to WAFCON in a tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo in October last year.

It was only after the team had ensured they would be heading back to Morocco that SAFA and Ellis agreed terms on a new four-year deal, that will see her in charge until 2029.

While that provides some stability, the domestic women’s football league has yet to be professionalised despite continued pleas from players who continue to punch above their weight.

They include the likes of co-captains Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau and Lebohang Ramalepe and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who are all expected to be part of the squad that will compete at WAFCON 2026.

The winner of the group will go on to play the second placed side in Group A, which features Morocco, Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while the second-placed side will play the team that tops Group A.

The post Banyana Banyana: Morocco Mission appeared first on SportsClub.

South Africa are set to welcome the North African side to Durban when they meet for both friendlies next month.

The first match will be played on Tuesday, 13 April, with the second fixture taking place on Friday, 17 April, at the same venue.

Banyana Banyana will use these friendlies as preparations for their participation in the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

“Our last friendly was against North African team Morocco and Algeria is similar, they bring a lot of physicality, but a lot different in that they are very good on the counter.

“They will challenge us in different ways and leading up to WAFCON we need as many difference challenges as we can so that we are able to adapt during the tournament.”

Here is Dr Desiree Ellis’ final squad to face Algeria:

The post Dr Ellis announce final Banyana squad for Algeria friendlies appeared first on SportsClub.

South Africa ended their five-year partnership with German sports manufacturer Le Coq Sportif.

Bafana’s new kit draws inspiration from the 2010 jersey and will be worn at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South African Football Association released the following statement on the matter, which reads:

Today, the South African Football Association (SAFA) in collaboration with adidas proudly reveals the new 2026/2027 home jersey for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana – a bold evolution of an iconic design that captures the spirit of South African football.

Drawing inspiration from the unforgettable 2010 jersey – a symbol of pride during a defining moment for South African football – the new design honours that legacy while stepping confidently into a new era. The 2026/2027 home jersey retains the unmistakable yellow base with green trim, a colour palette synonymous with national pride. Elevated detailing and refined construction modernise the silhouette, delivering a performance-driven jersey built for the demands of today’s global game.

Most notably, the updated design pays tribute to South Africa’s 12 official languages – a powerful reflection of the nation’s diversity, unity, and shared love for football. The subtle graphic elements woven into the fabric symbolise the many voices that rise together in stadiums across the country and around the world. Tom Brown, Senior Marketing Director for adidas South Africa notes: “The iconic adidas SAFA jersey of the 2010 World Cup had a distinctive reference to the diverse national languages of South Africa, represented by 11 small lines in the collar. This design is re-imaged for a proud new era, with a design patter which proudly reflects the now 12 national languages on the national jersey.

“The jersey is more than match-day apparel – it is a unifying symbol worn by players and fans alike. Designed with bespoke gender fit considerations for both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, the kit underscores adidas and SAFA’s commitment to equal elevation of the men’s and women’s game, as both teams continue to make their mark in global tournaments. In two weeks South Africans will see Banyana Banyana launch the kit on opening day of the WAFCON 2026 tournament in Morocco. And in 100 days will see Bafana Bafana take on Mexico in the opening game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup ™. We are very excited as SAFA for what this launch will do to motivate our junior teams to continue performing in this jersey as they aspire to one day be senior team members,” said SAFA CEO Ms Lydia Monyepao.

The modern cut, premium finishes, and carefully considered detailing reflect the evolution of South African football – confident, competitive, and globally respected.
From the energy of local pitches to the intensity of international tournaments, the 2026/2027 jersey represents a new chapter – rooted in history, driven by progress, and worn with pride.
The jersey has been developed to meet the demands of top-level football and incorporates adidas’ latest CLIMACOOL+ technology, using engineered stretch fabrics with 3D body mapping to improve ventilation, enhance breathability and help keep players dry in high-intensity and high-temperature conditions. Perforated three-stripe panels and strategically placed mesh zones further improve airflow and comfort.

The authentic jersey also features a new lenticular heat-applied federation crest and adidas logo expression, a process that creates a unique shapeshifting appearance, adding a bold and innovative visual detail.
The SAFA away jersey design will be revealed on the 19 March 2026 alongside other global adidas Federations. The 2026/2027 home jersey will be available at adidas stores, www.adidas.co.za, as well as selected wholesale partners from 20 March 2026,
For more information, visit adidas.co.za and follow @adidasZA and @SAFA_net for updates.

Here is a gallery of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana’s new kit:

The post New Era, New Threads: Bafana/Banyana Reveal 2026/27 Kit appeared first on SportsClub.

The top four finishers at the 2026 Wafcon, which will be hosted in Morocco from March 17-Aoril 3, advance to the World Cup and South Africa are one of the top four seeds.

They were drawn into top place in Group B, which is to be based at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, which was also used for handful of matches at the men’s Cup of Nations finals over the last month.

Hosts Morocco are the top seeds in Group A while holders Nigeria are in Group C. Ghana, who have been runners-up three times, are the top seeds in Group D.

South Africa’s opponents have limited experience at Wafcon with the Ivorians participating three times previously but last in 2014.

Burkina Faso have been to a single Cup of Nations in 2022 when South Africa won while Tanzania have played in only two tournaments, although were at the last finals in Morocco last August.

In contrast, Banyana have played at all 14 previous Wafcons, along with Nigeria.

The top two teams in the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals, which effectively are one-off matches to decide World Cup qualification.

South Africa have played at the last two Women’s World Cups.

WAFCON 2026 draw
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde

The post Banyana Banyana get favourable WAFCON 2026 draw appeared first on SportsClub.

The finals, which will also serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, will be held in in Morocco again from March 17 to April 3.

Banyana have qualified for the last two Women’s World Cups in 2019 and 2023, reaching the Round of 16 in the previous edition.

They will be among the top seeds at the WAFCON after finishing a rather disappointing fourth in Morocco last year, beaten on penalties by Ghana in the bronze medal match. They had lost to eventual champions Nigeria in the semi-finals.

The draw procedures have not yet been revealed by CAF, but the 2022 champions South Africa should be in the top four bracket.

Morocco will headline Group A as hosts, with Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa expected to be the other seeds.

The other 12 qualified teams are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia.

The post Banyana to know 2026 WAFCON fate after draw next week appeared first on SportsClub.

Sekhukhune United midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo was nominated for his goal for South Africa during their clash against Uganda in the CHAN tournament.

WATCH: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s goal against Uganda

Sassuolo midfielder Refiloe Jane received her nomination for her stunning goal for Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Mali.

WATCH: Refiloe Jane’s goal against Mali

Vote for your Goal of the Year: www.cafawardsgoty.com

The post Ndlondlo, Jane nominated for CAF Goal of the Year appeared first on SportsClub.

Desiree Ellis recently announced her 25-woman squad that will take on DR Congo in the two-legged qualifier.

The Banyana Banyana squad to face DR Congo in a WAFCON 2026 qualifier has been named. The team will assemble on 19 October and depart for DR Congo on the same day. The first leg is on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. FNB Stadium will host the 2nd leg#LiveTheImpossible @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/imrStPogDA

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 15, 2025

The South African Women’s national team held their first training session in DR Congo on Monday after arriving for camp on Sunday.

South Africa will travel to the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium when they take on Leopardesses in Kinshasa on Wednesday, 22 October.

Banyana will then welcome the same opponents to the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for the return leg on Tuesday, 28 October.

Kick-off has been scheduled for 19:00 on Wednesday.

The post Banyana gear for WAFCON qualifiers against DR Congo appeared first on SportsClub.

South Africa are set to square off against Ghana when the two sides meet at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco, with kick-off set for 9pm.

Here is the gallery of Banyana Banyana’s training session:

The post Gallery: Banyana’s training session ahead of WAFCON third-place playoffs appeared first on SportsClub.

Speaking exclusively to Showmax Premier League ahead of the monumental clash, Saili offered a compelling analysis of the tournament’s standout teams and the remarkable growth of women’s football across the continent.

“That’s going to be a cracker of a match,” said Saili when asked about the final showdown.

“Obviously Morocco have the 12th player with their fans and them playing at home. Nigeria come with experience, having won this competition numerous times. They going to go to any extents to make sure they return the glory that they’ve always come up with in this tournament.”

Despite Nigeria’s formidable record, Saili is leaning towards the hosts.

“Morocco will want to get their maiden WAFCON trophy, so between these two teams I would go for Morocco. As much as Nigeria is playing great football, I should maybe try to take a risk and gamble and say Morocco will win it.”

She highlighted Morocco’s impressive resilience throughout the tournament.

“They’ve had great mental strength right from the first game. So many times they have come from behind to equalise and win the game. Their mental resilience is excellent.”

“Their endurance levels are brilliant and the tactical way the coach changes the game has been excellent. Look at the game against Ghana, we expected Morocco to crumble and not come back into it, but again they came back with a total different game tactically.”

Reiterating her prediction, Saili added: “I have the belief that Morocco may just win this one. They are hosting it, and in the last edition of WAFCON, they reached the final as well. They have been consistent in their performance. But Nigeria will also be hungry to win. They want to come back and reclaim their glory, and once again be the landlords of the trophy. The journey of both teams have been great.

“Nigeria is showing hunger to win it back, but so does this consistent combative Morocco team. The final is going to be a tough match for both teams, but I believe that Morocco may just run away with it this time round.”

Beyond the finalists, Saili was particularly impressed by the performances of other nations.

“I was most impressed by Algeria and Tanzania. Those two teams are for me the most impressive. It’s been just Tanzania’s second experience at WAFCON. Their game against Banyana Banyana was undoubtedly the best game of the tournament for me.
“A lot of people thought it would be a walk in the park for Banyana Banyana, but then everybody was shocked to see how Tanzania took the lead. It took a lot from Banyana Banyana to come back and get the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game.”

She also praised Algeria.

“Algeria also really impressed me. They didn’t score much, but didn’t concede in open play which was remarkable. They were a little blunt in front of goal in the tournament, but they were excellent in all other areas of the game.”

Saili also expressed her immense satisfaction with the overall quality of football displayed at this year’s WAFCON, underscoring the significant advancements in African women’s football.

“A lot of talent was unearthed at this year’s WAFCON because we saw a lot of players come to the limelight, and we unearthed some raw talent.

“There were lots of youngsters in the Tanzanian team that made a remarkable impression. We saw a super great Algerian team, we saw a Ghana team that fought hard despite having such a tough start to the tournament.

“They picked themselves up, and especially played their lungs out in the last two games of the tournament. They lost their final game in the tournament against Morocco, but they gave everything in the game. Morocco to me had the best mental strength in the tournament. To come back multiple times to win games shows what a resilient team they are.”

“We also saw sparks in the Nigeria v Banyana Banyana game. Too bad we had that freak accident on Gabriella Salgado, I do wish her well.”

“South Africa also lost their way at some point in the semi-final. At one point in the game I thought they would get the winner and set themselves up in a final once again. I thought we would see a repeat of the last WAFCON final between Banyana Banyana and Morocco.”

Saili added that women’s football continues to improve om the continent of Africa.

“To be honest, I was impressed with all the teams in the tournament, and going forward we will see even more competitive games.”

“There has been a lot of improvement in African women’s football, not only in Zambia but all over the continent.

“What the ladies are achieving has been remarkable. Lots of strides have been taken and steps have been made. Many of our players are also plying their trades outside of Africa, so we are seeing quality football being played everywhere. I’m happy to see the massive improvement that has taken place in African women’s football.”

Issued by Showmax

The post Saili backs Morocco to edge Nigeria in WAFCON final appeared first on SportsClub.