Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 October 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have settled in nicely in Bloemfontein ahead of their two 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers against Madagascar scheduled for this Friday and next Tuesday. The 2022 African Champions arrived in the City of Roses on Monday to begin preparations for the all-important clashes set to be played at the Free State Stadium.
Madagascar will host the first match as they have no suitable venue, and they are expected in the province on Wednesday. Kick-off for this encounter is 3pm, but no spectators are allowed at the request of the visiting team.
Banyana Banyana have already held two training sessions since their arrival, with two more still to come to complete preparations for the first leg. South Africa last played in the Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio, Brazil, and are eager to make a return to the global event.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said they have not qualified for the last two Olympic Games as they were knocked out in the first round in 2019. Ellis said they reached the final round against Nigeria and lost narrowly.
“It’s really important that we start getting to the Olympics. We qualified back-to-back in the past and then you don’t qualify for two, it’s important for us to qualify for these global events because the newer players that come in, and the younger players that come in, will also gain a lot of experience through that.
“So, it’s really important that we get off on a good start on Friday to make sure that we get to the next round. Banyana Banyana are still in contention for World Cup qualification and will be playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs next month,” she said.
Ellis further said the Madagascar fixtures present a dual purpose for them.
“It’s not just about this game, it’s also about the game in November, so we’re using it two-fold because you have very little time to prepare and we know that it is a very big tournament as well that we need to prepare for.
“So, we’ll be preparing for Madagascar but also looking at how we can get the team to be a better version of themselves come November 2026,” added Ellis.
She said Thembi Kgatlana (Mexico), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland), Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) and Hildah Magaia (Saudi Arabia) have already reported for national team duty, while Amogelang Motau (Mexico) was expected on Wednesday afternoon. Ellis said but Banyana Banyana will be without experienced defender, Bambanani Mbane who has returned home to continue with her injury rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the second leg will take place on 13 October, also at the Free State Stadium. Tickets for this match are on sale at shop.ticketpro.co.za/event/banyana- with adults playing R50 while children under 12 will be charged R20.
