Picture: Banyana Banyana players
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 November 2026 – Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has named a 23-player squad for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs in Morocco, with South Africa aiming to secure a place in the final qualification round. The mini-tournament will run from 28 November to 5 December 2026 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
Ellis has retained most of the players who recently represented South Africa in the Olympic Games qualifiers against Madagascar in Bloemfontein, where Banyana recorded two victories. Denmark-based midfielder, Sibulele Holweni is among the notable inclusions, earning her first national team call-up since moving to Europe last month.
Ellis said several players had been considered but were unavailable because of examinations, injuries and passport-related issues.
“There were other players that we were looking at but due to exams, injuries and lack of valid passports, we had to omit them. But we are happy with the selections we have made as they give us a balanced squad that we believe will get the required outcomes in Morocco.
“However, captain Refiloe Jane will miss South Africa’s opening match after receiving a one-match suspension for accumulating two yellow cards during the WAFCON play-off encounter against Nigeria in August,” she said.
South Africa will open their campaign against Chinese Taipei on 28 November 2006 at 4pm. They will then face Ecuador on 1 December 2026 at 9pm before concluding their group stage campaign against Uzbekistan on 5 December 2026 at 7pm.
Ghana and Papua New Guinea are also participating in the preliminary play-off tournament. Only the top two teams will advance to the final qualification phase, making every encounter crucial for Banyana’s World Cup ambitions.
Meanwhile, Ellis acknowledged that the play-off route was not what the team had hoped for but stressed that their immediate priority was securing a top-two finish. She said this is not the route they wanted to go, but they are here now.
“We are all aware that we have to get one of the top two spots, which makes the first match the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of the competition. It is important to start positively, particularly given the demanding schedule and limited recovery time between matches.
“I believe a victory in the opening encounter against Chinese Taipei would provide the team with the confidence and momentum needed to progress. Remember, the two teams that advance from the preliminary tournament will join four other nations in the final qualification phase scheduled for February 2027,” said Ellis.
She further said the six teams will compete in single-match knockout fixtures, with three World Cup places available. Ellis added that the additional four nations will comprise one representative from UEFA, one from CONMEBOL and two from CONCACAF.
“The three winners will secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Banyana Banyana will assemble for camp on 18 November 2026, before travelling to Morocco the following day, where they will begin preparations for the crucial tournament.
“South Africa will be hoping to navigate the play-offs successfully and keep their hopes of appearing at the global showpiece in Brazil alive,” she concluded.
