JOHANNESBURG – Reigning 2022 champions Sasol Banyana Banyana have safely checked into their base in Casablanca as preparations hit high gear for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), running from July 26 to August 16.
After arriving on Sunday following a long flight from a freezing South African winter, the team wasted no time getting straight to work on the pitch, completing two intense training sessions to acclimatize to the North African climate. Head Coach Dr.
Desiree Ellis expressed satisfaction with the early progress, noting that while the squad is adapting to the heat, conditions have been favorable so far as they build toward their opening fixtures.
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The national side’s camp is now operating at full strength following the arrival of its star-studded overseas contingent. Key players Thembi Kgatlana and Amogelang Motau arrived from Mexico, Bongeka Gamede flew in from Denmark, and Linda Motlhalo joined from Scotland to round out the 26-player roster.
With Kgatlana and Gamede already taking part in sessions and Motau and Motlhalo scheduled for their first training on Wednesday, Coach Ellis emphasized that the technical team has immediately integrated the international stars into tactical briefings to ensure total team alignment ahead of kickoff.
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Adding further motivation to the South African setup is the emotional return of experienced midfielder Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, who dons national team colors for the first time since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
A vital architect of Banyana’s historic 2022 WAFCON triumph, Moodaly-Salgado declared herself ecstatic to rejoin old teammates and set clear ambitions for the tournament. She highlighted that the group enters the competition with fresh goals and single-minded focus: to defend their continental crown and secure a return ticket to the global stage.
Banyana Banyana will begin their title defense on Monday, July 27, when they take on Tanzania in their Group D opener, before facing subsequent group encounters against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. High stakes await all participating teams throughout the tournament, as the top four nations at WAFCON 2026 will automatically gain qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. – SAFA
