Banyana Banyana to begin WAFCON qualifiers with eyes on 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup

Banyana Banyana’s quest to win the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and qualify for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup begins now!

Banyana will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second round of the WAFCON qualifiers over two legs, starting at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium on Wednesday (6pm kick-off), before concluding the clash at FNB Stadium six days later at 7pm.

The squad is expected to assemble for camp on Sunday, and coach Desiree Ellis has called up her strongest players, including vice-captain Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the WAFCON back in winter due to personal reasons.

The return of Kgatlana to the team is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the squad, which had made headlines for the wrong reasons following a disappointing fourth-place finish at the global showpiece in Morocco.

Ellis was at the centre of criticism, with now-retired Jermaine Seoposenwe publicly blasting her for not defending her players against mistreatment by the mother body, Safa.

So, after reports emerged this week that the association has offered Ellis a four-year contract — following over a year of coaching without a formal deal — it will be in her best interest to ensure that the players' needs are prioritised, especially financially.

Ellis has done tremendous work with the team since she temporarily took over from Vera Pauw in 2016, before being permanently appointed two years later. To date, she has led the team to the WAFCON crown in 2022, and back-to-back World Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023 respectively. Her only blemish was failing to qualify for the last edition of the Olympic Games.

But despite those highs, Banyana have recently hit a low, including their poor WAFCON performance and the criticism directed at Ellis. That’s why this new chapter must begin with a fresh perspective focused on building for the future.

A number of Banyana players including possibly Kgatlana — may be aiming to play in their final continental tournament and World Cup. Therefore, Ellis must start integrating younger talent into the squad.

This approach will not only prevent the need to rebuild entirely after the 2027 World Cup — which is set to be hosted in Brazil — but will also ensure long-term continuity. Banyana needs that right now: players who are hungry, passionate, and consistently performing at club level, both locally and internationally.

However, Ellis must also shield her younger players — her "cubs" — especially from SAFA, which has often been blamed for the team’s threats to strike due to late or non-payment of salaries and bonuses.

While every player dreams of representing their country at major tournaments, no one wants to do it for free — especially when qualification and participation guarantee financial rewards not just for the association, but for the players as well.

So, as Banyana assembles for camp this Sunday in the wake of WAFCON turmoil, Ellis must reassure her players that she has their backs — no matter what.

After all, part of her four-year contract should involve looking after the players’ interests, even when it means standing up to the employer. Right?