Ellis names Banyana squad for Morocco friendly as WAFCON prep kicks off

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has cast her net, naming a 26-woman squad set to travel to North Africa for a crucial friendly international against Morocco.

The high-profile clash, scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, marks the official start of South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Road to WAFCON 2026 For Banyana

Ellis is using the fixture to sharpen her side ahead of the continental showpiece, which will be staged in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

South Africa, the reigning African champions, successfully secured their spot at WAFCON following a hard-fought qualification battle against DR Congo last month. The South African senior women’s national team prevailed with a 2-1 aggregate victory, sealed by a crucial 1-0 win in the second-leg qualifier at Dobsonville Stadium. A moment of individual brilliance from star striker Thembi Kgatlana delivered the decisive goal, ensuring their place at the tournament.

The selected players are due to assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, November 24, 2025, before departing for Morocco on Friday, November 28, 2025.

The friendly will take place in the North African country, though the specific venue is yet to be confirmed. Fans will be eager to see how Ellis’s charges perform against the WAFCON 2022 runners-up in what promises to be an engaging contest.

South African Squad