Banyana face DRC in WAFCON qualifier without key stars and coach

Banyana Banyana are set for a challenging opening leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday night, facing a difficult match without four of their top international players and, notably, head coach Desiree Ellis.

The South African national women’s team is set to kick off the first leg at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa at 06:0 (SA time). However, their campaign to secure a spot in the WAFCON—which is a crucial stepping stone to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup—begins with a significantly depleted squad.

🚨 MATCH DAY🚨

2026 CAF WAFCON QUALIFIER

⚽️ DR Congo 🇨🇩 vs 🇿🇦 South Africa
🗓 22 October 2025
⏰️ 18h00 (SA time)
🏟 Stade des Martyrs#LiveTheImpossible@flysaa @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/AojwWWVDfS

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 22, 2025

Mexico-Based Quartet Missing First Leg

The team will be without four influential, Mexico-based stars for the Kinshasa clash: Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia, Sinoxolo Cesane, and Amogelang Motau.

According to SAFA, the staggered arrival was planned, with all four players scheduled to link up with the rest of the squad in Johannesburg for the return leg. The second and decisive match is set for Tuesday, October 28, at FNB Stadium.

Mbuli Steps Up Amid Ellis Contract Stalemate

Adding to the complexity, head coach Desiree Ellis is reportedly not with the squad due to ongoing contract negotiations with SAFA. Assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli has stepped into the top role for the qualifiers.

Despite the absences, Coach Mbuli remains focused on overcoming the hurdle, stressing the importance of qualifying for the continental spectacle.

“Obviously we know it’s going to be tough,” Mbuli told the media in the DRC. “They are playing a home match in front of the home crowd. But… the only way we can go back to WAFCON is to jump this hurdle, which is DR Congo.”

Mbuli also highlighted that the team will lean on the local knowledge of DRC-based midfielder Kgalebane Mohlakoana (who plays for TP Mazembe) to assist with tactical analysis of the opposition players and conditions.

Banyana previously defeated the DRC 3-1 on aggregate during the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers. The current tie holds even greater significance, as semi-finalists from the WAFCON in Morocco will qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

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