Kgatlana returns as Banyana kick off WAFCON Qualifiers

Banyana Banyana’s road to redemption begins this week as Desiree Ellis’ side kicks off their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 2022 African champions are no longer the continent’s queens after finishing a disappointing fourth at the most recent WAFCON in July. That result ended their reign and raised tough questions about the team’s trajectory. 

The upcoming qualifying campaign, therefore, offers Ellis and her players a fresh chance to rebuild pride and reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.

The first leg takes place at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Wednesday (6pm kick-off), with the decisive return leg set for FNB Stadium six days later. 

The winner on aggregate will move a step closer to Morocco 2026 — and, ultimately, qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Ellis has called up her strongest available squad for the two-legged tie, highlighted by the return of vice-captain Thembi Kgatlana. The Mexico-based forward missed the last continental campaign due to personal reasons, and her return adds both firepower and leadership to a team in need of renewed belief.

This new campaign comes at a critical time for Ellis, who has been under pressure following that fourth-place finish in Morocco and recent criticism from former Banyana star Jermaine Seoposenwe. 

The retired striker accused the coach of failing to stand up for her players amid ongoing tensions with Safa. Those issues resurfaced this week after reports that Ellis is finally set to sign a four-year contract — her first formal deal in more than a year. 

While that move should bring stability, Ellis knows that rebuilding trust and focus within her camp remains a top priority.

Since taking over from Vera Pauw in 2016, Ellis has guided Banyana through one of the most successful periods in their history — including their historic WAFCON triumph in 2022 and consecutive Fifa Women’s World Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023. But now, evolution is the key word.

With several senior players approaching the twilight of their international careers, Ellis must begin integrating a younger generation capable of carrying the torch beyond 2027. 

Balancing that transition with the drive to win again will define her next chapter.

Just as importantly, Ellis must shield her “cubs” — as she calls her younger stars — from off-field frustrations such as payment delays and poor administrative support. These distractions have too often undermined Banyana’s progress.

As the team assembles for camp on Sunday, Ellis’ message will likely be simple: unity, hunger and pride must drive the revival. The journey to reclaim continental glory begins now — not with talk, but with conviction.