Banyana Banyana Gear Up for Double Dose of Friendly Action Ahead of WAFCON 2026

Sasol Banyana Banyana are set for a busy and purposeful international schedule over the coming months, with two home friendlies against Algeria confirmed for April and two away matches against Japan locked in for June, as head coach Dr Desiree Ellis builds momentum ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The first set of fixtures sees South Africa host Algeria in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, 14 April and Friday, 17 April 2026, with the venues still to be confirmed. The matches follow Banyana Banyana’s recent participation in the COSAFA Women’s Championship, and Dr Ellis has already named a 24-player squad for the Algeria camp, which assembles on Monday, 6 April, before the group travels to Durban. SAFA will communicate the venue details at a later stage.

Dr Ellis has retained the core of her COSAFA squad, with four players unavailable for selection on medical grounds: Sibulele Holweni, Bongeka Gamede, Thembi Kgatlana and Jessica Wade.

Dr Ellis highlighted the value of facing varied opposition in the build-up to WAFCON. She noted that while Algeria, like Morocco, bring physicality to the contest, they are distinctly different in their effective use of the counter-attack. 

“They will challenge us in different ways.”

Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

With the April camp set to lay important groundwork, Banyana Banyana then travel to Osaka, Japan, for two further away internationals. The first match is scheduled for Saturday, 6 June 2026 at Nagai Ballgame Field, with the sides meeting again on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at J-Green Sakai. 

The Japan fixtures add a further dimension to the squad’s preparation, offering a high-quality challenge from a different footballing continent as the team builds towards the continental showpiece.

Both series form part of a structured programme of preparation ahead of WAFCON 2026, which the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rescheduled to take place from 25 July to 16 August, 2026.

South Africa has been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, while April opponents Algeria are placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal and Kenya.

Upcoming Banyana Banyana International Friendlies Fixturess List

Tue, 14 April 2026 – South Africa vs Algeria in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Venue TBC)
Fri, 17 April 2026 – South Africa vs Algeria in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Venue TBC)
Sat, 6 June 2026 – Japan vs South Africa at Nagai Ballgame Field, in Osaka, Japan
Tue, 9 June 2026 – Japan vs South Africa, at J-Green Sakai, in Osaka, Japan

24-Player Banyana Banyana Squad for the Algeria Camp

Goalkeepers

Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Katlego Moletsane (University of Fort Hare FC)

Defenders

Sinegugu Zondi (University of the Western Cape)
Fikile Magama (University of the Western Cape)
Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Antonia Maponya (University of the Western Cape)
Shakira O’Malley (University of the Western Cape)
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (University of the Western Cape)
Khutso Pila (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Midfielders

Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City, Scotland)
Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Refiloe Jane (TS Galaxy FC)
Noxolo Cesane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Amogelang Motau (Club Tijuana, Mexico)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Forwards

Thorisho Mphelo (JVW FC)
Nthabiseng Majiya (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Hildah Magaia (Deportivo de la Coruña, Spain)
Bonolo Mokoma (JVW FC)
Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy FC)
Wendy Shongwe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado (JVW FC)

Main Photo Caption: Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has announced a 24-player squad for the team’s upcoming international friendlies against Algeria in Durban, and Japan in Osaka, as she builds towards the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, at the SABC Studios in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, on 25 March, 2026. Photo: Supplied