Ellis announced her team on Saturday, with the match scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December, but the venue yet to be announced. The friendly forms part of South Africa’s build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which Morocco will host from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
The national team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday, 24 November, before departing for Morocco on 28 November.
Banyana secured their place at the continental tournament with a 1–0 second-leg victory over DR Congo at Dobsonville Stadium last month, winning 2–1 on aggregate. The decisive goal came from star forward Thembi Kgatlana, whose strike sealed qualification in dramatic fashion.
The friendly against Morocco presents an opportunity for Ellis to assess her squad against one of Africa’s top sides ahead of WAFCON. It will also provide players with valuable exposure to different tactical setups and competitive match intensity ahead of the continental showdown on Moroccan soil.
South Africa’s women’s national team have shown strong form in recent qualifiers and are expected to use the upcoming international break to fine-tune strategies, test combinations, and build cohesion among players ahead of the tournament.
Ellis’ selection for the Morocco friendly is a mix of established stars and emerging talent, giving the coach insight into squad depth and readiness as Banyana aim to compete for the WAFCON title in March, while strike Thembi Kgatlana is the most notable absentee.
The friendly marks another step in South Africa’s preparations as they look to build momentum and confidence ahead of defending their continental ambitions in Morocco next year.
Banyana Banyana full squad:
Goalkeepers: Casey Gordon (JVW FC), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy FC)
Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Asanda Hadebe (all Sundowns), Fikile Magama, Unathi Simayile, Antonia Maponya (all UWC), Sibahle Mneli (TS Galaxy FC)
Midfielders: Bongeka Gamede (Nordsjaelland), Jessica Wade, Regina Mogolola, Bongiwe Thusi (all JVW FC), Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City), Isabella Ludwig, Noxolo Cesane (both Sundowns), Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy FC), Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana), Michelle Sampson (University of Fort Hare).
Forwards: Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Nthabiseng Majiya (both Sundowns), Nobahle Mdelwa (University of Johannesburg), Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC), Kwezi Khoza (Durban Ladies).
Banyana Banyana's final preparations for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations have been thrown into uncertainty, with SAFA delaying the official squad announcement amid confusion over the tournament's status.
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis will use the final Group A match of the COSAFA Women's Championship as an opportunity to assess and integrate young talent.
Desiree Ellis has named a 38-member Banyana Banyana squad as preparations begin for a busy period on the international calendar, with two major tournaments taking place in the coming months.
Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis believes ending the year with a strong win has injected valuable confidence into her squad as they prepare for a crucial 2026.
